A summary from the Annual General Meeting held November 11 2025, reporting on the 2024-2025 financial year. The AGM was very successful and well attended by members and friends of the KKA.
2024/5 was a very successful year for the KooyongKoot Alliance, with lots of activity across the catchment. Three new friends groups and six subcommittees (education, revegetation, fundraising and reducing litter) were established. The Alliance achieved Australian Tax Office DGR status, making it easier for supporters to donate. Our President, Rex Dusting, thanked everyone for their energy and support, gave Pam Welsford a special shout-out for her huge contribution as founding secretary, and acknowledged Albert Toet’s well-deserved Caroline Chisholm award. Rex’s report is available here.
Graham Ross had a standout year as Catchment Keeper. He worked closely with councils, community groups, universities and government, pushing for cleaner waterways and better habitat. All eight grant applications were approved—an impressive effort—bringing thousands of native plants to places like Gardiners Creek Reserve, Markham Reserve and Blackburn Lake and financing the Catchment Keeper role 2 days per week. Securing future funding for the Catchment Keeper role is now a priority. Graham’s full report can be read here.
Treasurer Chris Pettit reported that the KKA finances remain strong thanks to support from DEECA, Melbourne Water, Australia Post, City of Boroondara and Simpson Construction. A Melbourne Water $35k grant will kick off a stormwater project.
Overall, it was a lively, productive year, and the Alliance is well set to keep the positive momentum going.
New Committee
Following elections, two significant changes were made in KKA Office Bearer roles:
- Sadly, Pam Welsford has relocated to the west coast. Francesca Keaveney was elected and welcomed as Secretary. Francesca has assisted Pam over the past few months – so is full trained and ready to go!
- Chris Pettit is unable to continue as Treasurer. Gillian Jervis (who was Treasurer before Chris) was elected to replace Chris. We are very fortunate that Gillian can “hit the ground running” !
Otherwise, the Committee remains unchanged with Rex continuing as President, Frank Giorlando as Vice-President as well as Graham Ross, Su Dempsey and Sam Russell continuing as Ordinary Members.
Birds in the ‘burbs
The evening concluded with an enjoyable presentation from Dr Jacinta Humphrey who encouraged us to think about how we can make our suburbs better places for native birds — especially the smaller species as these tend to disappear as housing density increases. Her key message was that we can reverse some of this through caring for native bushland by adding more native plants — especially shrubs and mid-storey vegetation. Jacinta handed out printed booklets summarizing her research – available for downloading here.