Welcome to our August newsletter.
It's another busy month for forests across Victoria. From community events and webinars to opportunities to influence government decisions, there are plenty of ways to get involved. As always, thank you for being part of this growing movement standing up for forests, wildlife and climate.
In this edition:
- Together for Treaty – Volunteer training day (8 August)
- Upcoming forest events with A/Prof Dr Phil Zylstra across Victoria
- Field report from Save Tyers / Boola Boola Trees
- VFA webinar recording – Stop the Planned Burns in Snowy River National Park with Professor Don Driscoll
- Have your say on Recovery Plans for two threatened cockatoos
- Bird flu has arrived – Help protect Australia's wildlife by supporting a Wildlife Resilience Fund
- People power for forests – Support the VFA Chuffed campaign
- Recommended reading from Kate Dooley, Katherine Wilson and Michael Dahlstrom
Together for Treaty
Victoria is at a pivotal moment. With the state election fast approaching, now is the time to stand together in support of Treaty, truth and First Nations justice.
Together for Treaty is hosting a volunteer in person training day on Saturday 8 August, 10-4pm in Melbourne for First Nations people and allies who want to help build support for Treaty ahead of the election.
August Forest Events
We have a busy month ahead with screenings, forums and community conversations focused on forests, fire, climate and the future of Victoria’s public lands.
PLEASE JOIN US AT ONE OF THESE!
A major week of forest-focused events featuring Dr Philip Zylstra, with most events also including screenings of Forest Country. More information and ticket links below.
Monday 10 August, 5-7pm
Lorne Community House, 16 Mountjoy Pde. Just roll up!
Dr Phillip Zylstra & Richard Collopy
Tuesday 11 August, 7pm
Hawthorn Arts Centre
Dr Philip Zylstra and Natalie Hogan (Environmental Justice Australia)
Book Here: Protecting Victoria's Forests
Wednesday 12 August, 7pm
The Hurstbridge Hub, Eltham
Forest Country & Dr Philip Zylstra
Book here: Forest Country & Fire Science Presentation
Thursday 13 August, 7pm
The Memo, Healesville
First Lore, Forest Country & Dr Philip Zylstra
Book here:Stories, Science & Fire in the Yarra Ranges
Friday 14 August, 7pm
Peninsula Cinemas, Rosebud
Forest Country & Dr Philip Zylstra
Book here: Forest Country & Fire Science Presentation
Saturday 15 August, 2.30pm
The Mechanics Hall, Lakes Entrance
Forest Country, Emerald Link & Dr Philip Zylstra
Book here: Rethinking Planned Burns
Field Report: Save Tyers / Boola Boola Trees
In June, we surveyed an area of the Boola Boola State Forest following a planned burn. What we found was consistent with other so-called 'fuel reduction' burns carried out by FFMVic: extensive canopy scorch and, most concerning, numerous collapsed hollow-bearing trees.
Surveying from about a kilometre off Cowwarr Road to an area of open heathland, we found the fire had burned intensely. Banksia shrubs that had not yet set seed were killed, while many living habitat trees had died and collapsed during or after the fire. Others had burnt-out basal hollows extending into the canopy. This forest has been previously logged and already has few large trees, making the loss of every mature habitat tree significant.
Images supplied by Save Tyers/Boola Boola Trees
Recording of VFA's latest webinar
A big thank you to Professor Don Driscoll, Professor of Terrestrial Ecology at Deakin University, for presenting such an insightful webinar on the science behind the campaign to stop the proposed planned burns in Snowy River National Park.
Professor Driscoll explores the impacts of the Black Summer fires on wildlife and explains why he joined nine other leading ecologists in calling on DEECA to abandon the proposed burns in this already fire-affected national park.
You can now watch the recording on the VFA website, along with our growing library of webinar recordings and other useful resources.
Link to Snowy NP - Public Letter that 10 top ecologists signed in April this year
Have Your Say: Recovery Plans for Two Threatened Cockatoos
The Australian Government is seeking public feedback on draft National Recovery Plans for the Gang-gang Cockatoo and the South-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo.
Photo credit: Lisa Roberts GunaiKurnai Country 2025
Recovery plans set out the actions needed to halt the decline of threatened species and support their long-term recovery. This is an important opportunity to help ensure these plans are informed by the best available science and community knowledge.
Submissions close 7 October 2026. If you care about protecting Victoria's forests and wildlife, we encourage you to review the draft plans and have your say.
Read the draft plans and find out how to make a submission on the DCCEEW website.
Take Action: Protect Australia's Wildlife from Bird Flu
H5N1 bird flu has arrived in Australia, threatening native birds and wildlife. While we can't stop the virus, we can help species survive by restoring habitat and reducing other threats.
The Invasive Species Council is calling for a $200 million Wildlife Resilience Fund to help protect our most vulnerable wildlife.
Take one minute to add your name and urge the Federal Government to act.
People Power for Forests – VFA Chuffed Campaign Launched
Bringing together community support for on ground action, advocacy, and long term forest protection. Every contribution helps strengthen this movement and keep momentum growing.
Recommended Reading
The Point 3 Aug Opinion piece by Kate Dooley Australia shouldn't have to choose between protecting forests and the climate
In the Monthly feature, Calling the Shots, Katherine Wilson. Debate over a new fishing and hunting “super agency” in Victoria has highlighted the intersection between the gun lobby, union leaders and the Labor Party
30 July 2026 Yahoo News Australia's Environment Editor Michael Dahlstrom reports on the destruction by FFMV of significant hollow bearing trees at the Murrindindi Scenic Reserve. Anger ripples across Victoria after discovery in remote forest: Ideology gone mad.
Thank you from all of us at the VFA
Your support, your voice, and your actions are what give Victoria’s forests a fighting chance. Together, we make a difference.
With heartfelt thanks and solidarity,
Nic- Secretary, Victorian Forest Alliance
https://www.victorianforestalliance.org.au/
We acknowledge that the Victorian Forest Alliance operates on the sovereign land of First Nations Peoples. The forests we defend and restore are unceded Lands.
We recognise and respect that the forests we work to protect exist on a number of Sovereign Aboriginal Nations, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.