This fully accredited and nationally recognised training course provides the student with entry level training in a wide range of community services fields. If you are interested in further study and work in field such as youth work, disability services, mental health, domestic violence, housing etc this course will prepare you for a new career. For full details of the course please contact the House for a course guide. COST Full Fee$250, ACFE student fee $211, ACFE concession fee $55, plus student amentieis fee of $20.
LOCATION: The Basin Community House, 1221 Mountain Highway, The Basin 3154. CONTACT NAME: Donna Donovan - Shire of Yarra Ranges PHONE: 9294 6426 EMAIL: d.donovan@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Money matters for small business
Thursday, 7 May 2009
to Tuesday, 1 December 2009
Money matters for small business is a redical new approach to the delivery of training to small business operators/managers. This is an online program that you can use in your own business. There are ten modules in the series. Organsing yoru Business for financial success. Managing Cash Flow. Taxation - GST/BAS/PAYG Insurance Inventory Understanding your financial reports Lease or buy Importing and exporting Buying and selling a business Investments in your business - (Debt v Equity) For more information about this program please contact Rachael direct on the details below.
LOCATION: Swinburne Tafe CONTACT NAME: Rachael Hinton at Swinburne PHONE: 03 98726 1494 EMAIL: rhinton@swin.edu.au
Individual Careers Guidance
Monday, 5 October 2009
to Saturday, 12 December 2009
By appointment $45 per 30 minutes. Sally Dusting-Laird is an experienced careers guidance counsellor. In this one on one session she will provide you with information about employment and further study options for career development.
LOCATION: Coonara Community House, 22 Willow Road, Upper Ferntree Gully. PHONE: 9758 7081 EMAIL: coonarahouse@optusnet.com .au
Healesville Childrens Choir - Mondays - Term 4
Monday, 12 October 2009
to Monday, 7 December 2009
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Led by Leah Marlowe, the childrens choir is suitable for Primary school aged children who have an interest in music and singing.
DATE: Monday 12th October to 7th December (8 Sessions) TIME: 4.00 - 5.00pm COST: $53.00
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
to Sunday, 13 December 2009
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
This exhibition by the Two09 Group, an eclectic and everchanging group of artisans from the Yarra Valley & surrounds, features diverse subjects from the abstract to the realistic, the stylish to the surreal, executed in a variety of media. This exhibition will provide a perfect opportunity for the gifting season. Entry to the Exhibition & The Museum is: $5 p.p. Open Wednesday to Sunday, however, Group bookings are available for Mondays & Tuesdays.
Two Sundays a month from October to April a Summer Jazz program is held at Seville Hill Winery.
Share in a relaxing afternoon listening to performances from some of Melbourne's brilliant, young and talented Jazz musicians. During the afternoon light lunches are available including freshly made antipasto platters, a gourmet BBq., Coffee and Dessert are also available. For more details please check our Web site www.sevillehill.com.au or feel free ring the Winery ph. 59643 284 to make a booking.
We invite you to book your place in any of the scheduled sessions by contacting 0488 071 111. ENTRANCE FEE IS COMPLIMENTARY Born of the principle 'locals helping locals', the Yarra Valley Practitioner Project Inc. offers support and guidance to individuals and communities after the February bushfires, including: kinesiology clinical hypnotherapy homeopathy yoga & meditation relaxation therapy counselling sleep talk for children massage naturopathy
Monday, 9 November 2009
to Monday, 30 November 2009
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
A fully trained tutor will be on hand to assist and explain concepts and techniques as you work through a very thorough and well designed program at your own pace using Windows XP and Office 2003. Basic computer experience required.
To be held each Monday night between 9th to 30th November 2009.
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
to Tuesday, 8 December 2009
WHO IS TOM? FREE physical theatre workshops for young dancers and actors (aged 18-25) with the purpose of developing a cast for an upcoming performance project, ‘Tom’; a live performance project involving dance, theatre, animation and music.
Workshops will be held at Mooroolbark Community Centre starting in November. Visit the website for details, www.seehearsay.com or call Mooroolbark Community Centre on 9726 5488 to confirm your attendance.
WHEN? Workshops: Tuesdays, 7:30pm – 9:30pm Dates: November 10th, 17th, 24th, December 1st
Audition: December 8th, 7.00pm - 9.00pm
WHERE? Mooroolbark Community Centre Brice Avenue, Mooroolbark Melway Reference: 37 H12
LOCATION: Mooroolbark Community Centre CONTACT NAME: Megan Rowland PHONE: 9726 5488 EMAIL: M.Rowland@yarraranges.vic.gov.au WEB: www.seehearsay.com
Risk Management - Is it really necessary?
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
If you're running an event of any size or type, you have a 'duty of care' to provide a safe environment. Risk assessment & management is all about caring for people who attend your events and we can help guide you through the process in a painless and user friendly workshop.
As well as getting some expert advice from Shire officers, you’ll also have the opportunity to share your own experiences and exchange useful hints with other community workers.
Attendance at this workshop is highly recommended for anyone who runs or is considering running a festival or event in the Shire of Yarra Ranges or who is considering applying for a Community Grant.
What to bring: · an outline of the elements of your event (if you have one) · Pen and notebook
Bookings are essential. R.S.V.P. to Kaye Hart via the details below.
LOCATION: Lilydale Lake Community Room (Melways 38/G6) CONTACT NAME: Kaye Hart PHONE: 9294 6189 EMAIL: k.hart@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Yarra Ranges Film Society Presents "WAKE IN FRIGHT"
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
(US/Australia– drama – 1971) 114m A young schoolteacher is caught up in the ugly side of life in outback Australia on his way home to the city for the holidays. This brilliant but disturbing film holds up a mirror to a part of Australian “culture” which is less than flattering and has been little seen since its initial release (the negative was missing for many years). Gary Bond, Donald Pleasence and Jack Thompson feature in Ted Kotchoff’s film based on the Kenneth Cook novel.
Brimming with lyricism and honesty, BEAUTIFUL KATE follows Ned’s (Ben Mendelsohn) return to the isolated bush farmhouse that was once home to say goodbye to his estranged father (Bryan Brown). Past confl icts emerge as Ned recalls long-buried memories of his beautiful twin-sister Kate (Sophie Lowe), gradually succumbing to recollections of the summer in which their burgeoning adolescence led to a tragic loss. Vibrant performances from a stellar Australian cast including Rachel Griffi ths are accentuated by the gothic overtures of Andrew Commis’ lush cinematography which perfectly captures the isolation of a young life lived on the land. Based on the Newton Thornburg novel, BEAUTIFUL KATE is the accomplished feature debut of actress Rachel Ward.
DATE:Tue 10 Nov TIME: 8pm TICKET: $8
DATE: Sat 14 Nov TIME:8pm TICKETS: $11/$9
LOCATION: Healesville Cinema - Healesville Memorial Hall CONTACT NAME: Lori Kravos PHONE: Box Office 5966 5040 or at the door EMAIL: uyac@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Meditation for the Soul
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
7:30 PM
Commencement time: 7.20pm for a 7.30pm start
Fortnightly meditation sessions will be lead by Phoenix Arrien, a health practitioner from the Warburton Lotus Rooms.
The meditation sessions are free, however places are limited and bookings are required. The event is supported through the Shire of Yarra Ranges Community Bushfire Recovery Program.
LOCATION: Yarra Glen Living and Learning Centre - 12 Anzac Avenue, Yarra Glen CONTACT NAME: Leanne Manfre PHONE: 1300 368 333 EMAIL: communityrecovery@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Eastern Women's Business Forum & Mini Expo
Thursday, 12 November 2009
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Bendigo Bank together with Maroonndah, Knox & Yarra Ranges Councils present the Eastern Women on the Go Forum and Mini Expo from 8am followed by brunch at 9am and Guest Speaker Thea Groom, CEO of Leafbusters. Thea Groom is one of the original inventors of the gutter protection system called Leafbusters. The business started in 1991 in the middle of the recession we had to have and how a big dream, not only became a business, but also started an industry where there was none before. An industry inside one of the toughest male orientated industries, The Building Industry. Her talk will include the highs and lows of starting a business with no money and growing it in a self funding way to a multimillion dollar business.
Cost:$30
Business Women are invited to participate in the Mini Expo as an exhibitor. Please Book On Line follwoing the web link below to reserve your seat. For any enquires please email wotg@bendigobank.com.au
A Twilight market with loads of stalls, fun for kids, sausage sizzle and a beer and wine stall.
For more information, please contact Elizabethday@netspace.net.au or 0401 432 895.
LOCATION: St Richards Primary, Mt Dandenong Road, Kilsyth CONTACT NAME: Elizabeth Day PHONE: 0401 432 895 EMAIL: elizabethday@netspace.net.au
Centre for Agriculture and Business
Thursday, 12 November 2009
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Event details to be advised. Guest Speaker to be advised.
LOCATION: To be advsied CONTACT NAME: Donna Donovan - Shire of Yarra Ranges PHONE: 9294 6426 EMAIL: d.donovan@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Forgotten the basics? Want to take your art to the next level? Can’t commit to a weekly class?
In this intensive course, Sara will go back to the very fundamentals of creating a successful painting. This quick moving class will cover both traditional and modern techniques of composition, styles, brushes and tools, colours, colour mixing and archival issues.
Participants will be unlikely to complete a ‘finished painting’ but will be equipped and re-energised to start creating confidently.
Please contact Mooroolbark Community Centre for a materials list.
This workshop is aimed at those with some prior knowledge of painting. If you are a complete beginner please contact Mooroolbark Community Centre for more information.
TUTOR: Sara McPherson COST: $60
LOCATION: Mooroolbark Community Centre, 125 Brice Ave, Mooroolbark CONTACT NAME: Mooroolbark Community Centre PHONE: 9726 5488 EMAIL: mooroolbarkcc@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
An Night with Sacred Earth & OKA
Saturday, 14 November 2009
7:00 PM
An evening of Divine music with two of Australias internationally acclaimed bands Sacred Earth and OKA.
This evening will begin with and hour of blissful tunes from Sacred Earth Music designed to take the listener deep into your heart.
OKA will follow with grass roots, reggae fusion. Music to move your body & soul.
Philip Lemon is holding a book launch on 15 November for his children’s fantasy novel The Barbarian Librarian. The launch is being held at the Upper Yarra Arts Centre in Warburton.
More information on Phil's book can be found at www.barbarianlibrarian.com
LOCATION: Upper Yarra Arts Centre CONTACT NAME: Philip Lemon EMAIL: philiplemon@bigpond.com WEB: www.barbarianlibrarian.com
Fire Smart Garden Design
Sunday, 15 November 2009
10:00 AM - 12:00 NOON
Dr.Greg Moore will share his expertise on designing your garden with fire in mind, suitable plants, how to maintain your garden and balancing fire safety with biodiversity.
Light refreshments provided, please RSVP for catering purposes.
The festival provides a great opportunity to promote and showcase local businesses and produce. Entry is Free and it is a fantastic community event where everyone can enjoy locally grown strawberries, art & craft market stalls and free entertainment, which includes Live Band, Music performances, Paul Jamieson "The Music Man!", Dancers, Demonstrations and more. Also, award presentations for the Biggest Strawberry & Best display tray, Strawberries & cream eating competition, Pony rides, Jeep rides, mini golf and more.
All day BBQ, Devonshire Tea, fresh & baked strawberry products for sale, Sparkling Wine and Strawberries.
Art & Craft stall sites are still available, contact Diana on 0438 546 279 for registration form or print off from www.vicstrawberry.com.au web site.
LOCATION: St Patrick's Primary School/ Community grounds, Jones Street in Lilydale. Melway: 38 F3 CONTACT NAME: Diana PHONE: 0438 546 279 WEB: www.vicstrawberry.com.au
Summer Jazz at Seville Hill Winery
Sunday, 15 November 2009
12:00 NOON - 5:00 PM
Two Sundays a month from October to April a Summer Jazz program is held at Seville Hill Winery.
Share in a relaxing afternoon listening to performances from some of Melbourne's brilliant, young and talented Jazz musicians. During the afternoon light lunches are available including freshly made antipasto platters, a gourmet BBq., Coffee and Dessert are also available. For more details please check our Web site www.sevillehill.com.au or feel free ring the Winery ph. 59643 284 to make a booking.
An early Christmas special, you can join in with the New Horizons band, sing Karaoke, and get in the mood for the festive season with Karen Woolfall and Stax.
Drinks and nibbles provided, $10 at the door.
RSVP by November 8 to secure your booking.
LOCATION: Community Music Centre, DRMC, at Upwey High School, 1451 Burwood Hwy Upwey CONTACT NAME: Rachel Nendick PHONE: 9754 6566 EMAIL: drmc@optusnet.com.au WEB: www.drmc.org.au
Fire Smart Garden Design
Sunday, 15 November 2009
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Dr.Greg Moore will share his expertise on designing your garden with fire in mind, suitable plants, how to maintain your garden and balancing fire safety with biodiversity.
Light refreshments provided, please RSVP for catering purposes.
'Clean Energy' and how you can get it now, is a symposium with special guest speaker Dr Helen Caldicott.
This event will inspire individuals to make a stand and have some input into the direction of their own future.
You will hear how individuals can make a difference. You will hear about the advantages of renewable energy.
Dr Helen Caldicott will explain why nuclear power is not the best option. You will hear what GENI is all about. You will know how you can make your voice heard.
Small business operators will gain a better understanding of the basic concepts of record keeping for their business. The workshop involves a mixture of hands-on, practical exercises and some general record keeping principles.
Some topics that will be covered; - keeping good records - typical business transactions - recording your income and sales income tax records - recording wages in a wages book - completing a business activity statement (BAS).
THE SESSION WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH: Access to small business training. Who to contact if you want to join a business network or association or undertake training. Information about how to plan for your business. Assistance about local/state business licenses and approvals. How to access one-on-one advice about the viability of your business idea. These sessions provide an ideal opportunity to network with other like minded business people, increase your business knowledge, discuss and profile your business ideas.
How do you take your business to the next level? Developing your marketing strategy may be the answer. This seminar will help you to achieve your business growth targets by identifying areas for improvement in communication, development of promotional products or services and gaining a better understanding of your target market. Cost $30.00.
LOCATION: Belgrave South Community House CONTACT NAME: Donna Donovan - Shire of Yarra Ranges PHONE: 03 9294 6426 EMAIL: d.donovan@yarraranges.vic.gov.au WEB: http://services.business.vic.gov.au/ems/viewEventDetails.do?enterfrom=calendarofevents&eventid=1895
MOVIE - MY SISTERS KEEPER (M) 109 Minutes
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Based on a novel by Jodi Picoult, My Sister’s Keeper interrogates the parent/child bond in a way that’s thoughtprovoking and, initially at least, confronting. 15-year-old Kate (Sofi a Vassilieva) is dying of cancer, she has been for several years, and it’s putting enormous pressure on the whole family, not least her younger sister Anna (Abigail Breslin). Anna is a genetic match and she was conceived for the specifi c purpose of donating parts of her body to keep her sibling alive. But now she’s had enough, and she’s hired a fl ashy lawyer (Alec Baldwin) to help her win legal control over her body.
LOCATION: Healesville Cinema - Healesville Memorial Hall CONTACT NAME: Lori Kravos PHONE: Box Office 5966 5040 or at the door EMAIL: uyac@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Business Mums Network Yarra Ranges
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
BMN Yarra Ranges is for mums operating their own businesses with an opportunity to hear guest speakers and make new business contacts at each meeting. Business information is available at the meetings with Donna Donovan, Business Support Officer, on hand to answer any questions you may have on starting or growing your business. BMNYR is a child friendly event.
If you have employees or are about to engage employees or contractors, the Employer Update Seminar will help you understand your obligations. The topics covered include: the difference between an employee and a contractor, pay as you go (PAYG) withholding, superannuation guarantee obligations, choice of superannuation fund, and fringe benefits tax obligations.
Create your own Oline Store/ Grow an Online Business
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
This course run by Jeanette Jensen teaches the fundamentals of having an online store: Store Banners, Icons, Categories, Products, Payment and Freight systems and Online Marketing Strategies. This introductory course will outline options for you to consider prior to setting up your own online store. A course outline is available on application.
Friday, 20 November 2009
to Friday, 11 December 2009
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
What do YOU want to learn? Learn what YOU want at YOUR pace from a workbook using Windows XP and Office 2003. Subjects available - Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, Outlook and Internet. A qualified tutor will be on hand to provide assistance in a small class environment. Basic computer experience required. Workbooks available at $15 each (maximum two workbooks per course).
To be held each Friday between 20th November and 11th December 2009.
Beyond Cuisine – Eat, drink and hear great actors read great stories!
A star-studded cast will present a mixture of classical and contemporary material, with both comic and dramatic themes, from short stories and novels spanning the globe. These readings come across more like a theatrical event than a literary one. The actors give performances from the page.
This highly respected series, known as Beyond Cuisine, has attracted rave reviews and played to packed houses over the past two years. It was a featured event of last year’s Melbourne Writers Festival. “There can’t be many shows that leave you full as a proverbial goog, yet still hungering for more but this is one...The night wasn’t anywhere near long enough.” -- Chris Boyd, HERALD SUN
Please visit to read The Age and Herald Sun reviews of the series.
TICKETS: $ 24 / $20 Conc. Supper Hampers available - $35 for 2 people
ATO Business Deduction Essentials Seminar - FREE Seminar
Monday, 23 November 2009
10:00 AM - 12:00 NOON
This session covers some of the more common business income tax deductions in some detail, with worked examples to illustrate the calculations. The topics covered include: income tax deductions - general, expenses you can claim immediately, expenses you can claim over time, some expenses you can never deduct, trading stock and other special deductions, tax losses, and keeping proper records.
LOCATION: CFA Meeting Room- 300 Main St, Lilydale CONTACT NAME: Donna Donovan PHONE: 03 9294 6426 EMAIL: d.donovan@yarraranges.vic.gov.au WEB: http://services.business.vic.gov.au/ems/viewEventDetails.do?enterfrom=calendarofevents
ATO Activity Statement Essentials Seminar - FREE Seminar
Monday, 23 November 2009
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
This session provides a more detailed look at the role of the activity statement, and details of the specific activity statement labels that small businesses may need to complete. The topics covered include: the purpose of an activity statement, the layout of an activity statement, the GST labels, the PAYG withholding labels, the PAYG instalment labels, other activity statement labels, and how you can use activity statement data to plan and budget.
LOCATION: CFA Meeting Room - 300 Main St, Lilydale CONTACT NAME: Donna Donovan PHONE: 03 9294 6426 EMAIL: d.donovan@yarraranges.vic.gov.au WEB: http://services.business.vic.gov.au/ems/viewEventDetails.do?enterfrom=calendarofevents
Fire Smart Garden Design
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Dr.Greg Moore will share his expertise on designing your garden with fire in mind, suitable plants, how to maintain your garden and balancing fire safety with biodiversity.
Fortnightly meditation sessions will be lead by Phoenix Arrien, a health practitioner from the Warburton Lotus Rooms.
The meditation sessions are free, however places are limited and bookings are required. The event is supported through the Shire of Yarra Ranges Community Bushfire Recovery Program.
LOCATION: Yarra Glen Living and Learning Centre - 12 Anzac Avenue, Yarra Glen CONTACT NAME: Leanne Manfre PHONE: 1300 368 333 EMAIL: communityrecovery@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Sundown Screenings at Hedgend Maze
Friday, 27 November 2009
6:00 PM
Enjoy our outdoor cinema throughout Summer with twilight screenings of classic and family movies.
Enjoy Hedgend's fantastic attractions (such as Mini Golf, the Giant Maze, Giant Eyespy, our new Native Maze and much more), and at Sundown, settle down for our outdoor cinema experience. Bring a picnic dinner (food and refreshments will also be available), bring bean bags or rugs to get yourself comfy but no chairs please - our view is too good to block. Cost $20.00 per person (4 and under Free).
Fun and friendly games for the family b.b.q - drinks - devonshire teas - food stalls - community groups - crafts - books - plants - bric a brac - and so much more!
Hosted by the parish of St Peter Julian Eymard Mooroolbark and St Richards Kilsyth
LOCATION: St. Peter Julian Eymard School, Reay Road Mooroolbark CONTACT NAME: Rose Lawrence - Marketing Co-Coordinator PHONE: 0419 376 667 EMAIL: rose@cartex.com.au
India Flint workshop - Botanical Alchemy
Saturday, 28 November 2009
to Sunday, 29 November 2009
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Open Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, 11am - 4pm Autumn & Spring.
Unconventional workshops and classes all year round.
Intrigue • Inspire • Involve
Please join us for a weekend of botanical alchemy with Botanical alchemist/textile artist India Flint.
During this workshop you will learn how to extract and use natural plant dyes with silk and other materials.
When? Weekend of 28 & 29 November, 2009. Cost? $220. Intrigued? Please email art@threestories.com.au, phone 59625688 or go to www.threestories.com.au
LOCATION: Three Stories - 505 Maroondah Highway, Healesville PHONE: 5962 5688 EMAIL: art@threestories.com.au WEB: www.threestories.com.au
Dru Yoga and Relaxation Workshop
Saturday, 28 November 2009
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
We invite you to book your place in any of the scheduled sessions by contacting 0488 071 111. ENTRANCE FEE IS COMPLIMENTARY Born of the principle 'locals helping locals', the Yarra Valley Practitioner Project Inc. offers support and guidance to individuals and communities after the February bushfires, including: kinesiology clinical hypnotherapy homeopathy naturopathy yoga & meditation relaxation therapy counselling sleep talk for children massage
All practitioner services and time are donated by the practitioner. Services operate from Yarra Glen and Healesville clinics as well as outreach programs operating in local schools. Please contact 0488 071 111 if you would like more information or to book a complimentary session.
Acclaimed short fi lmmaker Warwick Thorton makes his feature debut with a riveting romance set in Australia’s Red Centre. Delilah (Marissa Gibson) spends her life caring for her grandmother Kitty, an indigenous artist. Samson (Rowan McNamara) is a young man lost in his remote, mundane experience. Brought together by Kitty,Samson and Delilah begin a tenuous courtship which blossoms under extreme circumstances. Winner: Audience Award, Adelaide Film Festival.
DATE: Sat 28 Nov TIME:8.00pm TICKETS: $11 / $9 Conc
LOCATION: Upper Yarra Arts Centre CONTACT NAME: Lori Kravos PHONE: Bookings 5966 4500 EMAIL: uyac@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Lavendar Harvest Festival
Sunday, 29 November 2009
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
11th Annual Lavender Festival at Warratina Lavender Farm. A day of action and entertainment.
Lavender harvesting using traditional methods, demonstrations of old-time arts and crafts, working old-time farm machinery.
• Children’s entertainment • Old time craft demonstrations • Lace making and Spinning • Black-smithing and Wood turning • Food stalls and a great variety of markets • Wine & Boutique Beer tastings • Highland Dancing • Irish Dancing • Scottish Country Dancing • Blackburn High School Concert Band
and lots more!
ENTRY: $10 per Adult, $5 per Child 14 or over / concession $25 per Family (2 adults + 2 children)
Dr.Greg Moore will share his expertise on designing your garden with fire in mind, suitable plants, how to maintain your garden and balancing fire safety with biodiversity.
Two Sundays a month from October to April a Summer Jazz program is held at Seville Hill Winery.
Share in a relaxing afternoon listening to performances from some of Melbourne's brilliant, young and talented Jazz musicians. During the afternoon light lunches are available including freshly made antipasto platters, a gourmet BBq., Coffee and Dessert are also available. For more details please check our Web site www.sevillehill.com.au or feel free ring the Winery ph. 59643 284 to make a booking.
Dr.Greg Moore will share his expertise on designing your garden with fire in mind, suitable plants, how to maintain your garden and balancing fire safety with biodiversity.