Melbourne School of Land and Environment: News Update
Victoria’s first Growing Green Guide
A University collaboration with local councils, the Victorian Government and industry experts during a three year project has led to the development of Victoria’s first Growing Green guide. The guide aims to assist in managing the impact of climate change in urban environments.
“Green roofs, walls and facades provide many benefits for the environment and community, but having local guidelines on how to achieve these outcomes is a first in Australia,” John Rayner, lecturer in Urban Horticulture at the Melbourne School of Land and Environment, said.
The guide is available at: growinggreenguide.org
Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show
An exciting partnership between the University of Melbourne, City of Melbourne, Nursery and Garden Industry Association of Victoria (NGIV) and the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show culminated in a pop-up garden display showcasing the unique talents of the Melbourne School of Land and Environment’s urban horticulture teaching and research at the Burnley campus. The 11×9 m display took centre stage at City Square before being disassembled and re-assembled at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, where more than 110,000 international, national and local visitors were expected.
MSLE Academic recognised in Australia Day honours
Melbourne School of Land and Environment’s (MSLE) Professor Ruth Fincher was made a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia during the recent Australia Day Honours. Professor Fincher, from the Department of Resource Management and Geography, was recognised for significant service to education, particularly geography and urban studies, and international geographic associations.
MSLE Graduate Career Night
MSLE students joined representatives from Dairy Futures CRC, DEPI, the National Australia Bank (NAB) and Commonwealth Bank (CBA) Agribusiness, Eureka! AgResearch and the University of Melbourne’s Careers & Employment on 20 March to discuss graduate career opportunities in a panel discussion event. Representatives described their own experiences and insights in the graduate careers space, and shared their visions for the next generation of graduates.
People and their pets – animal welfare seminar
The Animal Welfare Science Centre (University of Melbourne) and Lort Smith Animal Hospital hosted a half-day seminar on 21 March, covering some of the latest research and thinking on the welfare of companion animals. AWSC post-graduate students Sally Haynes, Dennis Wormald and Miranda Coffey spoke about the importance of human contact for shelter dogs; measuring anxiety in dogs; and the impact of feeding stray cats. Dr Robert Holmes from Animal Behaviour Clinics discussed the emotional lives of dogs and the prevalence of separation anxiety of backyard dogs.
The keynote speaker, Professor Kevin Stafford, gave a thought provoking talk about the welfare of dogs and posed the question: are we actually good for dogs? Presenting facts and figures from the lives of average suburban dogs, Professor Stafford reminded the attendees that despite their misconceptions, dog lovers were actually the minority in the community.
Presentations are available to view and download on the AWSC website at: animalwelfare.net.au/article/scientific-seminars