Nature captured by Freshwater

By Casey Neill
SHERBROOKE Forest’s most famous resident graces the cover of this year’s Dandenong Ranges Community Bank Group calendar.
A lyrebird’s tail cascades gracefully down from his perch on a striking green shrub in Vivien Freshwater’s winning photograph.
The Belgrave local took the shot in her home town, but kept the exact location under wraps.
“He’s quite tame, so I don’t want him taken advantage of,” she said.
Ms Freshwater has a passion for the spectacular bird, and for the past 31 years has worked to protect it as a Friends of Sherbrooke Forest member.
“People come from all over the world to photograph Sherbrooke lyrebirds,” she said.
“We’re so lucky to have that forest so close to us.”
Volunteers weed the forest to protect the habitat and conduct lyrebird surveys each June and July to keep tabs on the population.
“We’ve made wonderful progress over the years,” Ms Freshwater said. She said her winning photo was a lucky shot.
“He was there, and I had the camera,” she said.
“It was just wonderful to have the photograph chosen (for the front cover). It was a real surprise.
“It’s good publicity for the forest, too.”
It was the first time Ms Freshwater had entered the photography competition, which is in its third year.
The calendar highlights the Dandenongs’ diversity and beauty. Bank group chairman Peter Marke said the contest attracted significant interest from amateur and professional photographers, and the judging panel had a difficult task.
“We are pleased to provide opportunities for local photographers to participate and showcase their skills in a way that promotes our scenic district,” he said.
“The calendars have proved extremely popular over the past couple of years and will again be given to our customers and shareholders and, of course, anyone opening a new account at any of our branches – Upwey, Belgrave, Cockatoo/Gembrook and Olinda.”
For more information about Friends of Sherbrooke Forest, email donvrac@tpg.com.au.