March 3rd, 2022Goldacres training day

THE Blampied/Kooroocheang Landcare Group held a training day recently after buying a new spray unit from Goldacres.
President Gary Wilkinson said the group, which has been active for 25 years, covered from Eganstown through to Newlyn North, Kingston, Smeaton, Blampied, Kooroocheang, Campbelltown and across to the Yandoit Hills area.

“We bought the unit, which was given to us at cost by Goldacres, 18 months ago, but due to Covid and other things the unit has had very little use and we have not been able to carry out training.
“I was in touch with Goldacres recently and they indicated it would be good to do the training day when possible as the unit has a bit of high tech gear on it.
“We held the day along with a general meeting on February 12 at Blampied. We had a pretty good attendance and Goldacres has been really generous with their service.

“In the training, Bruce McIntosh from Goldacres, not only focused on the proper operation of the spray unit, but he was also very detailed into the proper storage and maintenance of the unit as well as giving a good understanding of the various chemical types and their proper handling.
“His talk also showed and demonstrated what type of PPE was required for different chemicals and the reasons why. Bruce handed out some very detailed notes and information on chemicals, cleaning and how to work out spray rates.
“We have also had fabulous support from Hepburn Shire Council and its biodiversity officer Brian Bainbridge, who helped us buy the spray unit along with a gorse/weed puller and many other things.”

Top, members of the Blampied/Kooroocheang Landcare Group with their Stop AusNet’s Towers sign

Below, Goldacres’ Bruce McIntosh demonstrates how to use the spray unit

Images: Contributed