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Leadership in Rabbit Control Course – applications now open
When?
Arrive 16 May 2022 – Depart 18 May 2022
Where?
Macedon, Victoria
What is the ‘Leadership in Rabbit Control Course’?
The Victorian Rabbit Action Network ‘Leadership in Rabbit Control Course’ 2022 is open to all Victorians currently involved in the management of rabbits on private or public land.
The Leadership in Rabbit Control Course is a mentor course that includes both classroom and practical field- based training. Following the training, participants will be offered the opportunity to form a group or ‘Learning Network’ who can meet, share ideas and discuss rabbit management.
Twenty positions are available for the 2022 Course. VRAN encourage diversity in our Leadership in Rabbit Control Course 2022, and we want people with a range of perspectives and experiences to be involved. VRAN are seeking a balance of representation by gender, industry, regions, community groups, Traditional Owners, land managers, government agencies and other professionals.
Tell me about the course facilitation?
The course will be facilitated by our VRAN mentors who are recognised experts in rabbit management and community-led action.
As a group, they provide expertise and insights from community, industry and government perspectives.
They will be supported by co-facilitators with diverse experience in community engagement and invasive species management from around Australia, across a range of sectors and organisations.
Can government staff participant?
The Leadership in Rabbit Control Course is free for participants from Local Government, Catchment Management Authorities, water, road and rail authorities. You will be asked to cover your travel and accommodation costs.
What does it cost?
No cost. If you are a community member all cost associated with the course, meals and accommodation will be paid on your behalf. We will also reimburse you for your travel expenses if you need extra support.
What is the course schedule?
We ask that you make time to stay for the full program. This commitment will allow for you have more time to learn, network and meet others working in the same field.
Course Start time: Monday 16 May 2022, 4:30 pm. All participants must attend the course introduction at 4:30pm and this will be followed by a welcome dinner. You may choose to arrive at the course location earlier from 3pm, check into your room and relax until the course commences.
Finish time: Course will conclude Tuesday afternoon by 5:30 pm.
How do I apply?
Three easy steps:
Step 1: Prepare an Application Form
Step 2: Submit Application Form by 25th March 2022, 5 pm AEDST
Step 3: Your application is assessed, and you are notified.
About the application process:
All participants will be assessed on evidence provided in their responses to the key selection criteria that demonstrate their skills and experience, as outlined in their “Application Form”. A VRAN selection panel will shortlist participants, talk with referees and notify you by mid April.
More information:
If you have any further questions regarding the Leadership in Rabbit Control Course, or how to complete the Expressions of Interest Form, please contact the course coordinator Heidi Kleinert: Heidi.kleinert@agriculture.vic.gov.au or 0472 877 472.
5 Reasons to apply
1
Hear from the best thinkers and leaders in Victoria on rabbit management
2
Get refreshed and motivated to tackle the challenge of rabbit control
3
Meet people that work in the same field & get inspired
4
Make a difference in your community
5
It’s a free course
Course Information
The course will be facilitated by our VRAN mentors who are recognised experts in rabbit management and community-led action.
As a group, they provide expertise and insights from community, industry and government perspectives.
They will be supported by co-facilitators with diverse experience in community engagement and invasive species management from around Australia, across a range of sectors and organisations.
The Leadership in Rabbit Control Course includes both classroom and practical field-based training.
By the end of the course participants will understand the ecology and biology of rabbits, Victoria’s legislation framework and how to implement an integrated rabbit control program.
We get our hands dirty and head outside to experience integrated rabbit control demonstrations and learn how to plan and implement monitoring courses to maximise the effectiveness of rabbit control. All participants will also attend an evening spotlight session.
We will also discuss things to consider when working in sensitive cultural heritage landscapes, the importance of collaboration, community engagement and chat about why rabbit work is challenging.
In addition to the classroom and field session you get to network with a group of people that are on a similar journey to you and facing similar scenarios and issues. By participating in this course, you will enhance your existing contacts and pest management resources.
We will challenge you to consider what you can do differently to help your community, your rabbit control course for the better.
Meet the Mentors
Meet the ‘A Team’ of rabbit control in Victoria. The VRAN mentors are recognised experts in rabbit management and community-led action. As a group, they provide expertise and insights from community, industry and government perspectives.
The mentors deliver VRAN’s Leadership in Rabbit Control Course and provide ongoing support for the VRAN learning networks. Each VRAN mentor has a few rabbit seasons under their belts and have experience in working across both private and public land and in different landscapes across the State.
They will share their knowledge with you and are good listeners too. Once you get to know them, you will no doubt teach them something new too.
Member
Neil Devanny
Brad Spear
Tim Bloomfield
John Matthews
Tom Miller
Peter Barnes
Geoff McFarlane
Affiliation
Member, Gooram Valley Landcare Group Committee and Granite Creeks Project Inc.
Pest and Weed Management Consultant, Enviro Vic 2000
Pest Animal Consultant, Environment First Pty Ltd
(Retired) Biosecurity Manager, Established Invasive Animals, Agriculture Victoria
Natural Resource Management Officer, Moorabool Shire Council
Manager, Neds Corner Station, Trust for Nature
Member, Bellarine Landcare Group, Member GCoG Rural and Peri Urban Advisory Committee
A Learning Network – What is it?
After the course you will be invited to participate in our free Learning Network program.
A Learning Network is a way of describing a group of people that you meet with, connect with on a common topic and learn. Participants in the VRAN Rabbit Learning Network will have ongoing access to mentors and can give and receive support to each other after the Rabbit Control Course.
Independent evaluations of VRAN and the Leaps and Bounds learning network show that the initiative has:
- built confidence in best-practice rabbit control,
- improved relationships across different parts of the rabbit management system, and
- changed mindsets about how institutions and community groups can work together.
Sounds interesting? Check out these stories from the Leaps and Bounds participants.