Work Experience

Today, as part of my Work Experience, I visited Minyip to look at how the Wimmera Rice flowers plantings are coming along and to report to the Minyip Landcare Group, who are in charge of these plantations. It was a nice, sunny day for the job, which made it easier to spot the small yellow flowers amongst the rest of the plants. This endangered species was thought to be extinct from agricultural farming, until 2005 when they were rediscovered on a roadside. Around 150 more were planted to try and repopulate the area, however not all have since survived. The plants that have survived though, are healthy and flowering, which was amazing to see.

Wimmera Rice-Flower, Minyip

I also visited the Rupanyup reservoir, where I had a tour of the large tree plantation that was there. Adrian from the Rupanyup Landcare Group showed me around the tree plantation and spoke about the different types of trees that were planted there. I was amazed when he told me that over 4000 trees were planted in the area in 2020. The plantation is home to many species of trees that were all amazing to see. My favourite species was probably the Eucalyptus melliodora because of its bright, colourful flowers that stand out amongst the rest of the trees. Something that I found fascinating, was that only female pine trees drop seeds, and that wattle trees only live for roughly ten years but reproduces fast and effectively. I learned what birds have since called the plantation home and what pests harm the plantations growth. Adrian is constantly weeding the plantation, aiming to optimise full growth from his trees. In the near future, Adrian is hoping to install a frog pond in the centre of the plantation, for more wildlife to thrive in, which I am keen to hopefully see one day.

I am very impressed with the amazing work done from both the Minyip and Rupanyup Landcare Groups, and I hope to see more conservation and plantation projects like these done in the future to preserve nature.

By Ryan, Yr 10 work experience student Wimmera Lutheran College.