Y Water Discovery Centre in Yea, Victoria | Tourist information centre

Y Water Discovery Centre

Locality: Yea, Victoria

Phone: +61 3 5797 2663

Address: 2 Hood Street 3717 Yea, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.ywatercentre.com.au

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• Travel and transport
• Tourist information centre
• Nature reserve

25.01.2022 This week we celebrate NAIDOC Week 2020. This year's theme of Always Was, Always Will Be recognises the First Nations people who have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years. Angela ten Buuren a proud Taungurung woman, and great grand daughter of John Franklin from the Yea area, has created this stunning diorama that celebrates the diversity of the flora and fauna in the Yea Wetlands. While COVID-19 restrictions have meant we have not been able to display ...this in the Centre as planned we hope you enjoy this digital version. Angela's inspiration for this diorama comes from this year’s NAIDOC theme and her love of curating displays for different occasions. She describes the work as follows. "The Yea river has always been a part of my family and extended Franklin family’s memoires and visits to Yea. I have a few personal stories I can recall of my family’s experiences on the Yea river from when I was a little girl. To Taungurung people past and present the rivers are our lifeblood. This diorama attempts to educate and draw attention to the diversity of the flora and fauna in the Yea Wetlands. The Macquarie Perch is included in the diorama as it is an endangered species. All the flora and fauna of this region was utilised by our Taungurung ancestors who depended on it all for their survival. The diorama also incorporates ceremonial aspects of the Taungurung people. The use of different coloured ochres in the display are those which can still be found on Taungurung country. The Taungurung people believe Bundjil, the wedged tail eagle, was the creator of the rivers and mountains. Bundjil is also important within our dreamtime stories. The emu eggs are included, as John Franklin my great grandfather, in 1902 gave two emu eggs as a wedding gift to Aitken and Underwood. In our ceremonial dancing today, like our ancestors, we continue to use emu feathers for the making of the women’s feather skirts and other adornments. The footprints represent our old people walking over their country, from the river flats to the tops of the mountains. I can still feel their presence whilst I am on country". We thank Angela for sharing this beautiful work with us, and for her ongoing commitment to caring for the Yea Wetlands. #NAIDOC2020 #NAIDOCWeek #NAIDOC

24.01.2022 We have some amazing local photographers who capture some incredible shots of the creatures and plants of the Yea Wetlands. Check out this selection from the very talented Ron Litjens.

24.01.2022 Our Taungurung indigenous garden, Badji Baanang, has received a welcome blanket of eucalyptus mulch and a new drip irrigation system to see it through the summer months. Big shout out to Unlimbited Tree Services for their very generous donation of many loads of beautiful mulch, to St Luke’s Opportunity Shop for their donation towards the watering system and to Don and Ian from the YWDC Inc committee for many hours of grunt work!

24.01.2022 We have two fantastic events planned next month to celebrate World Wetlands Day. Read our latest news to find out more: https://mailchi.mp/b1b7ed1e52d7/worldwetlandsday2020 #WorldWetlandsDay #WetlandBiodiversityMatters

23.01.2022 The Y Water Discovery Centre @ Yea Wetlands was showcased this morning on ABC RN Life Matters. Download the podcast to hear Ian, Ron and Angela chat with presenter Fiona Gruber.

23.01.2022 Its perfect weather for an icecream! Pop in to the yea_wetlands_kiosk and treat yourself to a delicious Golden North Ice Cream. Open today, all weekend and on Monday. Hmmm now what flavour to choose.... velvety chocolate, cookies & cream, macadamia...??? So many options....decisions, decisions!!

22.01.2022 Lots of fun at our school holiday activities today and last week. Check out these fabulous Wally Wombats and bubble creations. Big thanks to our fabulous volunteers Peter and Jo for hosting these sessions

22.01.2022 Perfect weather for a delicious ice cream from the new Yea Wetlands Kiosk at the Y Water Discovery Centre!

21.01.2022 Looking for that perfect Christmas gift? Check out this new range of beautiful handcrafted glass jewellery and ornaments from Limestone Leadlight & Mosaic Studio available now at the YWDC!

20.01.2022 Dont miss our next Speaker Series presentation Wetlands the story behind the trillion-dollar price tag. This presentation will uncover some of the reasons why wetlands are so valuable, with a focus on biodiversity and current examples of the efforts of wetland managers in Victoria to keep these precious systems healthy. Keynote speaker Pam Beattie is a natural resource manager who has worked in wetland management for 15 years. She has spent much of her time in wetland systems on the Murray River floodplain of north central Victoria and has recently joined the environmental water team at the Goulburn Broken CMA, where she continues her efforts to rehabilitate our waterways and wetlands. #WorldWetlandsDay #WetlandBiodiversityMatters

19.01.2022 Need a last minute Christmas gift? Dont panic - we have you covered with our great range of gifts for him, her, the kids and even the pooch! Were open 9-5 everyday except Christmas Day. Drop in, grab a coffee or delicious ice cream from the Wetlands Kiosk, and check out whats on offer!

19.01.2022 Don't forget to book your free 'virtual' ticket by 5pm tonight! You can then watch this insightful movie at your leisure this weekend and have the opportunity to take part in the post-event conversation.

16.01.2022 Climate Change Scientist Professor, David Karoly was the second of four high profile guest speakers to participate in a Speaker Series held at the Y Water Discovery Centre on Friday 15 November. Davids presentation, titled Climate change and community responses was well attended with nearly 50 guests from across Murrindindi Shire. Professor Karoly, heads up the Earth Systems and Climate Change Hub of the National Environmental Science Program for the CSIRO using the va...st amount of research an scientific knowledge to provide independent advice to the Federal Government on climate change matters. His informative presentation and responses to questions was both enlightening and somewhat frightening. David explained that over 95% of climate scientists around the world agree with the extensive data, much of it examined from ice cores extracted from nearly 2km below the ice caps conclude that we are experiencing climate change at a rapidly accelerating rate. Human activity in Australia over the past two centuries is a significant factor driving this change.. David also explained that results from numerous independent computer models from around the world were being used to predict the impacts of those changes to communities such as ours here in Yea, and the lesser impacts that likely to occur if communities, and governments changed green-house gas emitting practices. Some projected changes by the year 2050 included: An increase in Annual mean maximum temperature of 2.8 degC Average rainfall to remain steady but with less during the cooler season and more, intense storms during the warmer season. A reduction in the number of frost (<0 degC) days, potentially impacting on the regions horticultural enterprises that rely on frosts for crops to set. A doubling in the number of days with temperatures exceeding 35 degC One of Davids key messages though was that while politicians at all levels may debate and delay implementing the significant policy changes needed to reverse the current trend of increased emissions, we as individuals, families, communities and municipalities have capacity to change practices, slow down and reverse the trend that will make it difficult for species, including humans to adapt and survive. These practices were broadly categorised as: More efficient use of energy Greater use of low-carbon and no-carbon energy, many of these technologies exist today Improved carbon sinks Reduced deforestation and improved forest management and planting of new forests Bio-energy with carbon capture and storage Lifestyle and behavioural changes that is, for humanity to adopt more sustainable practices Davids talk, the 2nd in a Speaker Series was funded by the Foundation for Rural Renewal. A video of his talk, together with his presentation slides will shortly be available on the Centres website (www.ywatercentre.com.au). Keep an eye out for the third Specialist talk in the Speaker Series early in 2020!

16.01.2022 Look whos come to the YWDC! Just in time for our Christmas shopping night and opening of our new Yea Wetlands Kiosk! Drop on by tonight to join in the fun 4pm - 8pm

16.01.2022 Tonight were celebrating another fantastic year at the Y Water Discovery Centre with our amazing team of volunteers, staff and committee. Thank you to each and every member of this incredible group who together make our Centre such a brilliant success. Congratulations to Jo Aitkins for being awarded the 2019 Volunteer of the Year award and to all our team for their contributions. Special shout out and thanks to Sedona Estate and Murrindindi Olive Oil for their very generous donations of wines and oil to help with our celebrations tonight.

16.01.2022 Have you booked your ticket to our FREE virtual screening of the movie 2040: The Regeneration? Were co-hosting this innovative feature length documentary by award-winning director Damon Gameau (That Sugar Film), in partnership with the Embassy of Ideas, the Murrindindi Climate Network and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. To register go to https://events.humanitix.com/2040-movie-murrindindi-shire. Participants will be emailed a link to watch the movie between Friday 14th and Sunday 16th of August. One link will be provided per household. Bookings close at 5pm on Monday 10th of August.

16.01.2022 A highlight of our Celebrating NAIDOC Week at the Y Water Discovery Centre program will be the Healing Country presentation on Friday 9 July. Members of the Taungurung Land & Waters Council will present an insightful discussion and Q&A session on the work their Natural Resource Management and Cultural Heritage teams are undertaking to protect and improve their Country. Discussion topics will include Cultural Fire, Cultural Landscapes Management, bush regeneration and water ma...nagement. Guest speakers include: Matthew Shanks: Cultural & Natural Resource Management Strategic Advisor Francisco Almeida: Cultural Heritage Programs Manager Alejandro Voysest: Water Projects Officer Taungurung Parks Program Manager Shane Monk: Natural Resource Management Supervisor Drinks & nibbles will be served and bookings are required. Please register at www.trybooking.com/BRABR Proudly supported by FRRR The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal See more

16.01.2022 Dont forget to book your free virtual ticket by 5pm tonight! You can then watch this insightful movie at your leisure this weekend and have the opportunity to take part in the post-event conversation.

15.01.2022 A big shout out, thank you and hello to all our amazing volunteers at the Y Water Discovery Centre for all that you do! #NVW2020

14.01.2022 Bring the kids along to our School Holiday Fun activity session tomorrow to learn all about wombats. Well be creating our own Wally Wombats and learning about habitats and fascinating facts such as why wombats do square poo!! Please book ahead.

14.01.2022 We have a fabulous opportunity available for suitably experienced and motivated persons or community groups to take on the operation of the Yea Wetlands Kiosk. This is an established, successfully operated business, ideal for an operator who wishes to gain experience in the hospitality industry, or a local community organisation to earn funds to contribute to their future endeavours or charitable efforts. Key Features: Only 90 minutes from Melbourne, located adjacent to th...e busy junction of Melba and Goulburn Valley Highways No significant capital outlay required. Fully fitted out and all furniture and major equipment, supplied including coffee machine, ice cream and display cabinets, fridge and freezer. Well established kiosk facilities, with access to decking and garden amenities Kiosk to operate minimum 10am-4pm four days/week plus public holidays, 46 weeks a year One year agreement, with option to renew Utilities costs met by Centre Realistic license fee payment schedule and negotiable terms, including during start-up period Bring your own innovative food offerings Preference for locally sourced and environmentally sustainable food and beverage and packaging Opportunity to build business - catering for Wetlands and community events hosted at the Centre Operator required to have own ABN and relevant licenses and insurance cover Please send expressions of interest, setting out details of experience/credentials and proposed business model, to [email protected] by 4pm on Friday 4 December, 2020. For further information contact call 5797 3394.

14.01.2022 Great to welcome the folk from Potter Travel to Yea today! #visityea

12.01.2022 And were up and running at the Yea Wetlands Kiosk!! First coffee sold to Jan Wealands and first ice cream to Ethan Fisher!! Come on down and join in the fun #yeawetlandskiosk #ywaterdiscoverycentre #visityea

11.01.2022 If youve got a spare couple of hours on Sunday March 15 join the Friends of the Wetlands for a Clean Up Australia event. 10am - 12noon starting from the Flat Plat @ the John Cummins Reserve in the Yea Wetlands.

10.01.2022 Looking for something for the kids to do these school holidays? Our School Holiday Fun programs are full of fun and educational activities for primary school aged children. This Wednesday well be learning all about water with some science based activities and next week well be getting creative with some fabulous art and craft projects. Only $4 per child. Bookings essential please.

10.01.2022 Check out some of the fabulous items on sale in our super January sale this month!

10.01.2022 We are super excited to announce that after almost 8 months closure due to COVID-19, we will be reopening the Y Water Discovery Centre tomorrow! The Centre will be open 7 days a week from 10am to 4pm daily. The Yea Wetlands Kiosk will be open on weekends from 10am - 4pm. We will have limits on the number of people allowed in the Centre at any one time and at this stage the Interpretive Centre and public toilets will remain closed. Our gift shop and visitor information services will be open so please come in, say hello and have a browse.

08.01.2022 We're Celebrating NAIDOC Week at the Y Water Discovery Centre with a fantastic program of talks, workshops and performances. Learn the foundations of indigenous weaving with acclaimed artist and Taungurung woman Cassie Leatham on Wednesday 7 July. Find out more at bit.ly/2TwoF4y

08.01.2022 Murrindindi Shire residents have access to view The Story of Plastic documentary released in April this year for FREE. If you havent seen it yet, its all ab...out plastic pollution and the worldwide effect it has on the health of our planet and the people who inhabit it. You can view the documentary using one of the following links: https://bit.ly/3hUv2Gz https://bit.ly/2V6Cchu Youll need to get in quick though, the free screen links have limited numbers and expire on Thursday 25 June at 11.30 pm. As part of Plastic Free July, there will also be an expert panel discussion and Q&A held this Thursday 25 June at 7.30 pm. The webinar will discuss options for personal action around the issues raised in the documentary. Panelists include Rebecca Prince-Ruiz (Founder and Executive Director, Plastic Free July), Dr Julia Reisser (Oceanographer and Research Lead Plastic Pollution, Mindaroo Foundation) and Lindsay Miles (Author, Speaker and Waste Educator from Treading my Own Path). To register you attendance, go to https://bit.ly/3etvt8P

08.01.2022 Time to start that Christmas shopping and what better way to do it than with a coffee and an icecream from our brand new Yea Wetlands Kiosk! Check it out next Thursday 5 December from 4pm - 8pm as part of the Yea Communitys Christmas celebrations. All are welcome!

07.01.2022 Help us celebrate World Wetlands Day at the Y Water Discovery Centre @ Yea Wetlands this weekend with our Breakfast with the Birds event and finish off the morning with a coffee on the deck at the yea_wetlands_kiosk #WorldWetlandsDay #WetlandBiodiversityMatters

05.01.2022 The skies are clear and the coffee is ready! Come on in and enjoy lunch on the deck at the Yea Wetlands Kiosk

05.01.2022 Plenty of tasty pickings out there in the Yea Wetlands at the moment and all of this fabulous rain will no doubt be keeping our furry and feathered friends very happy! Check out these brilliant pics taken in the Wetlands over the last few days by Ron Litjens. Just a sample of what you can see if you venture out! Read more at http://bit.ly/2Rmqoos

04.01.2022 Have you booked your ticket to our FREE virtual screening of the movie 2040: The Regeneration? We're co-hosting this innovative feature length documentary by award-winning director Damon Gameau (That Sugar Film), in partnership with the Embassy of Ideas, the Murrindindi Climate Network and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. To register go to https://events.humanitix.com/2040-movie-murrindindi-shire. Participants will be emailed a link to watch the movie between Friday 14th and Sunday 16th of August. One link will be provided per household. Bookings close at 5pm on Monday 10th of August.

04.01.2022 Please note that along with the other Visitor Information Centres in Murrindindi Shire, the Y Water Discovery Centre has temporarily closed in support of measures to contain COVID-19. During this period we are monitoring emails and taking calls on 5797 2663. The Yea Wetlands is still open and can be accessed via the side path at the Centre or from John Cummins Reserve via the Goulburn Valley Highway.

01.01.2022 Unfortunately due to the COVID-19 outbreak I have had to make the tough decision to close the Yea Wetlands Kiosk until further notice. After a lot of thought an...d consideration I feel it is safest and best to close the kiosk alongside the Y Water Discovery Centre to stop any potential chance of the virus spreading through the town. Please stay posted for any further updates as the kiosk will re open soon enough See more