Bird boxes labour of love

NEW bird boxes have been installed across the Buloke Shire as part of a new project which aims to unite community members and support bird conservation.

The installation of 70 boxes across the shire has been a labour of love for those involved in the project, dubbed the The Men’s Shed’s Biodiversity Trail.

A Buloke Shire Council spokesperson said the project was funded by both the state and federal government as part of the Community Recovery Hubs Program.

“Bouncing back from the October 2022 floods, this project has been a collaborative effort across Buloke, acknowledging our acceptance that things may never be exactly the same, but through community recovery, we can create something different—something that reflects our resilience and adapts to the new environment,” the spokesperson said.

The initiative has been met with widespread approval from the community and residents have embraced the opportunity to be part of the colourful installation.

The boxes were crafted by dedicated Men’s Shed participants in Birchip, Charlton, Donald, Sea Lake, and Wycheproof as part of skills-sharing arts recovery workshops.

“The boxes are more than homes for birds and insects, they are a testament to the craftsmanship and creativity of our Men’s Shed members, and the role Men’s Shed play in enriching our local environment, fostering community connection, mental health and wellbeing,” the spokesperson said.

The new homes have been placed across the shire, including sites at Sea Lake, Culgoa, Nandaly, Birchip, Charlton and Wycheproof.

Community members joined together to paint and decorate the bird boxes and voted on their preferred location for the installation of the new homes.

The initiative not only brought various members of the community together for a shared project but also helps support the local bird population by enhancing biodiversity and promoting a healthy ecosystem.

It’s hoped the new homes will help to boost native bird species, which can contribute to pest control, pollination and overall environmental health.