Landscape Restoration and Indigenous Ecology

Develop an understanding of ecology and conservation in urban environments and benefit from a real connection to place.

Naarm (Melbourne) is one of the most liveable cities in the world, host to rich biodiversity, parks, gardens and waterways. However, with the challenges of climate change and expanding development our natural environment is under increasing stress.

This course aims to introduce you to the biodiversity that makes up our city and equip you with introductory skills in restoration, revegetation and landscape management.

The course includes guest presenters such as Wurundjeri elder Uncle Dave Wandin, revegetation experts at Merri Creek Management Committee, urban ecologists and other industry experts.

Course details

There are eight-sessions in this course. This course will run on the following dates in 2023:

Fridays, 10 Mar – 5 May or

Fridays, 13 Oct – 1 Dec

CERES Brunswick, corner of Roberts & Stewart Streets, Brunswick East, Victoria

$975*
– Concession available
– ACFE subsidised course placements are available. The cost for ACFE Eligible participants is $65.

Book now for Oct

Course overview

You will gain a broad range of introductory skills, knowledge and insights that will equip you to take on further study and work in the Conservation and Land Management, Parks and Gardens and Sustainable Landscape fields.

The course includes industry connections, designed to meet the changing Landscaping and Conservation & Land Management industries, which recognise a need for ecological sustainability knowledge and cultural inclusion.

*Subject to Government restrictions, components of this course may be delivered either in person or online.

This 8-week course has been designed to provide an introduction to:

restoring ecosystems as an integral part of the conservation and land management industry.
designing and creating sustainable urban landscapes as part of the landscape design and construction industry.

Students will:

develop an understanding of ecology & conservation in urban environments.
be in, learn from and connect with nature.
explore First Nations ecological perspectives and connection to place.
gain knowledge of indigenous plants and skills in creating habitats.
understand pathways and opportunities in landscaping/conservation/parks and gardens.

This course will be occurring on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation and will aim to centre first nations voices, expertise, and experiences. This course recognises the connection of First Nations people to the land, islands and sea and recognises that many of the environmental challenges we are facing are due to the ongoing effects of colonisation.

ACFE subsidised course places

* This is an ACFE Approved Pre-accredited Course where the cost is subsidised for eligible participants.

ACFE Eligible participants are deemed eligible through an interview process with our career pathways officer. Find out more information about ACFE eligibility HERE. The costs for these participants are $65.

If you are interested in an ACFE place please fill out the enquiry form on our Learning Pathways page and our pathways team will be in touch soon.

Course content

The course incorporates topics such as Indigenous Land Management, Plant Identification and Propagation, Natural Area Restoration, Soil, Water and Fire Conservation, Ecology in Landscaping, Greening City Landscapes and Community Action and Engagement.

Course Sessions:

Session 1: Landscape restoration in context and Indigenous land management

Session 2. Plant Identification and Propagation

Session 3. Natural Area Restoration

Session 4. Field Trip to La Trobe Wild Life Sanctuary

Session 5. Soil, Fire and Water Conservation

Session 6. Indigenous perspectives on Ecology and Ecology in Landscaping

Session 7. City Landscapes and Green Infrastructure

Session 8. Pathways – Industry Mentors – Next Steps

Trainer profiles

Trainers:

With a keen interest in the natural environment, native plants and sustainability, Darren Tinker has worked in several areas that fall under the environment umbrella. Gaining skills in land restoration, seed collecting and plant production in his early career, he has applied his skills to many projects locally and abroad. Darren was a core part of the CERES education team for six years, designing and delivering biodiversity programs.

Darren has completed tertiary studies in Urban Planning and Environment, Geography and Conservation and Land Management. He is particularly passionate about urban regeneration, green infrastructure and biodiversity sensitive urban design. Now, he works in the climate adaptation space, dabbles in a bit of regenerative forestry and delivers some passion projects on the side. Currently based on Djaara Country in Central Vic, you can tune in to his weekly radio show online at https://mainfm.net/shows/wild-conversations/

Guest Speakers:

Guest speakers from Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, Merri Creek Management Committee and Seeding Victoria.

Refund policy

CERES reserves the right to cancel workshops due to insufficient numbers.

If we cancel the workshop you will be entitled to a 100% refund, or you may choose to transfer to another date, subject to availability.

If you decide to withdraw 7 or more days prior to the workshop date CERES will retain a 10% administration fee.

If you decide to withdraw less than 7 days prior to the workshop date CERES will retain 100% of your workshop fee.

Should CERES have to cancel the course due to Government changes relating to the COVD-19 response, we will let you know as soon as possible. Affected participants will be sent a notification that includes details on how to re-book another date or workshop. While cancellations on our part remain refundable within the specified time period, we do hope you will consider bearing with us in these precarious and trying times, and consider the rescheduled date where possible.