The Friends of Darebin Parklands (FDP) is one of the oldest community environmental groups in Australia. The group was founded in 1973 and was instrumental in establishing the Darebin Parklands.
The FDP is a local community friends group. The group was initially founded in 1973 as the Rockbeare Park Conservation Group, which was formed to preserve and rehabilitate Rockbeare Park, one of the earliest suburban parks in Australia, dating back to 1929. The group was instrumental in establishing the current large park through submissions to local, state and federal governments to purchase adjoining land on the Darebin side of the creek. The group later changed their name to the Darebin Parklands Association, and have recently renamed themselves as Friends of Darebin Parklands. The FDP continues to play an important role in maintaining and improving the park.
The objectives of the FDP are to improve the environmental and passive recreational amenity of the Darebin Parklands and to promote community awareness of the natural and cultural values of the park. The long-term goal is to further encourage native animal habitat so that animals including platypus return to live in the Darebin Creek and its environs.
To work towards our long-term goal the FDP is currently focused on the following activities:
The FDP works closely with DCMC Rangers on all activities.
The FDP is mostly comprised of local residents interested in improving and learning more about The Parklands and teh Darebin Creek. Throughout the year, the FDP hold working bees and events in the park.
The FDP meet quarterly on the last Tuesday of February, May, August, and November. Meetings are usually held in the Darebin Creek Environment Centre (at the Separation St entrance). The meetings often include a guest speaker and visitors are most welcome.
The FDP runs a Junior Ranger program to involve kids and their parents in The Parklands. Junior Rangers participate in various events including wildlife spotting.
The FDP is always keen to accept new members and actively encourages members to contribute to our plans for activities. As a member you will receive a quarterly newsletter. If you would like to join the FDP or would like to learn more about the group, please visit their website at the link below.
The Darebin Creek Management Committee acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the Darebin Creek, its land and tributaries. The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people have protected and cared for the Darebin Creek for tens of thousands of years. We pay tribute to elders, past present and emerging and extend this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. If you care and respect the Darebin Creek Country it will care for you.
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