Gardens for Harvest - Knox & Yarra Ranges

26/10/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended the Net Swap event on the weekend! Over 80 illegal nets are now on their way to being recycled, making gardens in Yarra Ranges safer for visiting wildlife.

A second event is planned in November (bookings will open soon). You can bring your old nets along for disposal even if you don’t need a new net, saving them from going into landfill.

These Net Swap events are a collaboration between the Conservation Regulator Victoria, RSPCA Victoria, Gardens for Harvest - Knox & Yarra Ranges, Yarra Ranges Gardens For Wildlife, Yarra Ranges Council's Waste team and Fly By Night Bat Clinic Victoria. 🦇🐦 See less

15/10/2026

This October, we're encouraging people to take their meetings outdoors as part of Outdoor Office Days, an international initiative aligned with COP31 Climate Talks. Explore the many parks, bushland reserves and outdoor gathering places in Knox. It's a great opportunity to connect with nature, support environmental sustainability and boost your wellbeing. Enjoy the outdoors! https://www.outdoorofficeday.nl/australia

13/10/2026

QUEENSLAND FRUIT FLY IN LILYDALE (11th OCT 2026)

This is the earliest detection of QFF that has been experienced in the Yarra Valley. The recent warm humid weather has encouraged QFF to fly out and about.

Lilydale is huge - WHO does this affect?

This notice is for the areas along the Olinda Creek and Lilydale Drain on the Northern side of Lilydale, Winnetka Drv, Nelson Rd. Any fruit that hosts QFF is possibly infested or could be infested soon. Any part of Lilydale could be at risk of QFF.

Keep Yarra Valley fruit fly free have limited traps resourced at the moment. The project needs more trap information from residents so please, put your traps out ASAP!

**increase your QFF surveillance with extra traps (or hang up the traps you have but had not gotten around to installing, or refresh the lures inside)

**clean up fallen fruit and destroy it (it may have QFF larvae in it). Freeze or Boil any suspect rotten fruit. If there's too much - bag and bin it, or mulch it to minimise the larvae. Lemons left on the tree and Loquats starting to ripen are the most likely affected fruit this month.

**protect ripening fruit this season - if you haven't been hit by QFF before - this could be the season it happens to you. Prepare trees to be netted and make a plan for which netting can go securely over which plants and when - remember the tomatoes and capsicums and your strawberries!

**remove weeds that fruit - blackberries and wild to***co are two that can host QFF
Contact [email protected] or message the page with further questions.

09/10/2026

UPDATE: Add your name to the Waitlist!

This Net Swap event is now fully booked but please add your name to the waitlist (follow the booking link and you'll find a link to the Waitlist on the top right of the page) as this will help to plan a second event in November.

You can still attend this event to drop off old netting, there just won't be any new nets available.

Yarra Ranges Council is excited to be helping make local backyards safer for native wildlife!

We’re participating in the Net Swap Program, giving residents the opportunity to swap illegal fruit netting that can harm native animals for a safer alternative.

In Victoria, netting on household fruit trees must have a mesh size of less than 5mm x 5mm at full stretch.

Larger mesh sizes can entangle and injure birds, bats and other native animals.

Drop off your illegal fruit tree/vegetable garden netting and receive a free 2.4m net in return. Conditions apply.

Note: residents outside of Yarra Ranges can also drop off nets but you must be a Yarra Ranges resident to receive a free net in return.

You must register to attend this event - https://tinyurl.com/2j7sa47y

The Net Swap Program is delivered by the Regulator in partnership with participating Victorian councils.

28/09/2026

Formidable Vegetable blends infectious electro-funk and swing with songs about climate resilience, compost, food systems and sustainable living. Expect upbeat tunes, big ideas and a fun, inspiring take on climate action, community and permaculture.

Use code BCCB4PROMO at checkout to receive a 25% discount.

https://www.burrinja.org.au/whats-on/formidable-vegetable

18/09/2026

Yarra Ranges Council is excited to be helping make local backyards safer for native wildlife!

We’re participating in the Net Swap Program, giving residents the opportunity to swap illegal fruit netting that can harm native animals for a safer alternative.

In Victoria, netting on household fruit trees must have a mesh size of less than 5mm x 5mm at full stretch.

Larger mesh sizes can entangle and injure birds, bats and other native animals.

Drop off your illegal fruit tree/vegetable garden netting and receive a free 2.4m net in return. Conditions apply.

Note: residents outside of Yarra Ranges can also drop off nets but you must be a Yarra Ranges resident to receive a free net in return.

You must register to attend this event - https://tinyurl.com/2j7sa47y

The Net Swap Program is delivered by the Regulator in partnership with participating Victorian councils.

02/09/2026

Save up to 60% on two home composting systems this September.

From worm farms to pet waste systems and bokashi bins, there are options for households, schools and childcare centres.

Join our composting community, cut waste and grow a greener Knox.

https://www.knox.vic.gov.au/our-services/bins-rubbish-and-recycling/home-composting-rebates

20/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1JqpswCJ1t/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Edible Warburton seeks community help this Thursday, with Garden Buddies welcoming volunteers from 9am to 11am.

27/07/2026

Did you know you can join Community Gardens for social fun too!

23/07/2026