The final art installations for the Men’s Sheds Biodiversity Trail have now been installed in Nandaly, Watchem, and Nullawil, completing this unique community-led project in ten towns across Buloke Shire.

Featuring handcrafted avian and insect homes, the trail has been a collaborative effort between the Men’s Sheds in Birchip, Charlton, Donald, Wycheproof and Sea Lake, local artists and community members, Landcare and Buloke Shire Council. 

Buloke Shire Council Mayor, Alan Getley, highlighted the success of the Biodiversity Trail and the positive response from the community.

“Tourists have been stopping to take photos of these unique installations, and local walkers are noticing birds making homes in them,” he said.

Supported through Australian and Victorian Government Community Recovery funding, the project not only enhances biodiversity, but also celebrates local creativity and resilience in response to the October 2022 flood event.

Emergency Recovery
“At Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV), community is at the centre of everything we do. Along with the Victorian and Australian Government, we are proud to support this project under the Community Recovery Hubs Program,” said ERV CEO Mariela Diaz.

“This initiative is a fantastic example of the community banding together to deliver a project which will have lasting impacts for years to come.”

Men’s Sheds
The Mayor emphasised the important role of Men’s Sheds in fostering community connection and mental wellbeing. 

“The Biodiversity Trail stands as a testament to their invaluable contributions,” he added.

“The initiative has even sparked further creativity, with the Donald Men’s Shed now producing birdhouse kits as a spin-off project.”

With installations now in place across the region, the trail leaves a lasting legacy, strengthening both environmental and community connections.