As we mark NAIDOC Week 2026 and celebrate 50 Years of NAIDOC, we acknowledge the enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who have defended Country, culture and sovereignty since colonisation. VFA proudly supports Truth, Treaty and First Nations self-determination, recognising that caring for Country begins by listening to and standing alongside the world's oldest continuing cultures.
With the 2026 Victorian election drawing closer, the stakes couldn't be higher. Every conversation, every volunteer and every new supporter helps build the movement needed to secure lasting protection for Victoria's forests and wildlife.
If you tried to use the Victorians for Nature email tool last month and struck a glitch, thank you for your patience—it has now been fixed. If you haven't yet taken a minute to send a message to your local MP, now is the perfect time. Together, we can show our leaders that Victorians expect real protection for nature, not more broken promises.
In this edition:
- Upcoming forest events across Victoria
- VFA Webinar – Stop the Planned Burns in Snowy River National Park with Prof. Don Driscoll (16 July)
- The Koala Alliance joins the VFA
- Wombat Forestcare update: Working in the Wet
- People power for forests: Support the VFA Chuffed campaign
Stand in Solidarity This NAIDOC Week
This Friday, 10 July, thousands of people will come together for the Melbourne NAIDOC Week March to celebrate culture, resilience and 50 Years of NAIDOC. We encourage our supporters to join the march in solidarity with First Nations peoples. It begins at 12.00 pm from the VAHS building on Nicholson Street, Fitzroy.
Can you let the Leader of the Opposition know you support Treaty – call, visit, email, write, flood social media https://www.jesswilsonkew.com.au/contact
Upcoming Forest Events
We have a busy few months 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!
Tuesday 28 July, 6.30pm Cinema Nova Carlton Facebook Event
Book Here: Forest Country: The End of Logging in Victoria? Unpacking the Truth — Carlton
August Forest Events Series
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.
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 Kita Ash & 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
FREE! VFA Webinar Series: Stop the Planned Burns in the Snowy River National Park
Thursday 16 July 2026 • 6.30 pm
Online via Zoom
Join Professor Don Driscoll, Professor of Terrestrial Ecology at Deakin University, to hear the science behind the campaign to stop the proposed planned burns in Snowy River National Park.
Professor Driscoll will present the latest research on the impacts of the Black Summer fires on wildlife and explain why he joined nine other leading ecologists in calling on DEECA to abandon the proposed burns in this already fire-affected national park.
Link to Snowy NP - Public Letter that 10 top ecologists signed in April this year
Welcome to our newest member- The Koala Alliance: Standing Up for Koalas
The Koala Alliance continues to champion stronger protection for koalas and their habitat, taking their case directly to governments through submissions, meetings with ministers and ongoing advocacy. Ahead of the federal election, ending native forest logging was their number one recommendation, alongside stronger protection and restoration of koala habitat.
The Alliance is also raising concerns with Forest Fire Management Victoria about the impacts of planned burning on forests and wildlife, pushing for fire management that better protects biodiversity.
We welcome you warmly 
Wombat Forestcare Update- Working in the Wet
Despite around 200 mm of rain and saturated soils, salvage logging has continued in the Wombat Forest along Blackwood Ridge Road. Wombat Forestcare says the damage risks are clear, with heavy machinery operating in conditions that can cause severe soil compaction, erosion and long-term harm to forest ecosystems.
Consequences of working when the soil is saturated.
Both Photographs © Gayle Osborne.
With Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV) carrying out these operations, there is no independent regulator with the power to step in and halt damaging practices. Wombat Forestcare is warning that this lack of oversight leaves Victoria’s forests and wildlife vulnerable, with too few checks on activities happening in our public forests.
Want to know more? Visit Wombat Forestcare’s newsletter archive to read the full update and explore past issues covering the ongoing campaign to protect the Wombat Forest.
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 Resources
The Point 23 June The same old rort, and the same old forests by Louise Morris ABC's Four Corners did what investigative journalism is supposed to do: follow the money. In its episode Timber Turmoil, reporter Jessica Longbottom documented how Victoria's ban on native forest logging - a genuine environmental win - has not ended the destruction. It has simply moved it.
Radio National Hour 23 June Logging revelations prompt calls for a Royal Commission into forestry subsidies GUEST: Distinguished professor David Lindenmayer, ANU
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.