A TEAM of scientists, historians, curators and wildlife experts has converged on the district to recreate a ground-breaking natural history expedition.
The 30-strong team, bolstered by local indigenous elders, Gannawarra Shire Council staff and regional Government department representatives, has embarked on an eight-day expedition to gather and study specimens in the Gunbower Forest area.
The Museum Victoria team is exploring the rich natural and cultural history of the region on the 160th anniversary of the expedition led by William Blandowski, who was appointed the first curator of the Victorian Museum in 1854.
He led a remarkably fruitful expedition to the Murrray River, collecting more than 17,000 specimens.
The current team is carrying out a series of biodiversity surveys in the Gunbower State Forest and surrounding areas, documenting and photographing the rich wildlife and habitat of the region.
This material will be made available to Gannawarra Shire Council. There are also plans for a Museum Victoria mobile phone app for Gannawarra Wildlife and short history and science films to be on show at the Gateway to Gannawarra Visitor Centre.
Museum Victoria is also hosting other community events this week to showcase the findings of its surveys.
Museum staff conducted a community consultation for about 70 people at Kerang on Wednesday and there is a schools community day at the Cohuna Memorial Hall today, where scientists will present the findings of their bioscan.
Students will also have the chance to learn more about the collecting process and examine some of the specimens.
There is also a science discoveries evening on Saturday night at Mates’ Hotel in Koondrook.
It will be an opportunity for adults and families to hear the results from the surveys and speak to the scientists and rangers who took part in the work.
The Murray Explored Bioscan program is developed and funded by Gannawarra Shire Council to highlight the rich natural offerings of the region.
“Through these events Museum Victoria will showcase a rare insight into the local area 160 years ago, bringing back a wealth of information that is now dispersed across Australia and overseas institutions,” council chief executive Eric Braslis said.
