RES is committed to supporting regional Australian communities through the sponsorship of community projects, groups and events to provide environmental, social, cultural or educational benefits to communities that host our projects.

To enquire about current sponsorship opportunities please contact us. 

Fun and Learning at the Creek: RES "Creek to Community" School Event

On Thursday 20 March, the banks of Billabong Creek and the Jeithi Cultural Centre in Jerilderie came alive with curiosity and excitement, as students from St Joseph’s Catholic School attended part two of the RES-sponsored Creek to Community program. The day was led by Andrea Mitchell from Yanco Creek and Tributaries Advisory Council Inc. (YACTAC), with support from the Jeithi Jerilderie Aboriginal Corporation (Jeithi) and RES staff.

The event brought together 14 adults and 37 students for a lively morning of rotating activities focused on exploring and celebrating the life of the creek.

A major highlight was the ecological workshop run by ecologist Dan Hutton, who had the day before set fyke nets to sample the aquatic life of the creek. Students and adults were thrilled by the hands- on experience of discovering what lives beneath the surface. Species observed on the day included eastern long-necked turtles, small-bodied native and exotic fish, crustaceans, shrimp, macroinvertebrates—and even a rakali (Australian water rat) that had helped itself to a feast of yabbies from the nets!

Dan ran interactive sessions on species identification, lifecycles, ecological threats, and water quality. To ensure the health of the animals caught, he had aerated tanks on display so students could get an up-close view before all animals were safely returned to the water.

Overseen by Jeithi staff, creative activities added more fun to the day. Students wrote Haikus inspired by the creek, crafted whiskered eel-tailed catfish, and made seed balls from clay, potting mix, and native seeds—ready to be distributed later in the year to help revegetate the banks of the creek.

Andrea Mitchell also gave a short talk on the ecological role of freshwater mussels in the Central Billabong, highlighting their importance in keeping water clean and supporting other aquatic species.

Despite a few short rain showers, spirits remained high, and the creek-side learning continued with energy and enthusiasm. “Congratulations on delivering another terrific day,” said Dan Hutton.

“Everyone I spoke to had a ball and found it really interesting and informative. There’ll be a heap of kids telling their parents all about it when they get home from school.”

Andrea provided a special thanks to RES for their generous sponsorship of this event, which brought science, culture, and fun together in an engaging day. The event even caught the attention of WIN News Shepparton, who attended to film a segment as part of their coverage on Jerilderie and freshwater mussels. Facebook WIN News

 

Creek to Community - RES Supports Revitalising the Billabong Creek

RES provided $10,000 sponsorship for the Creek to Community Program which is being delivered by the Yanco Creek and Tributaries Advisory Council Inc. (YACTAC) and aims to revitalise the Billabong Creek.

The first of two community events was held on Wednesday 11 December at the Jeithi Jerilderie Cultural Centre and Keeping Place. The day brought together volunteers, community members, and partners to learn, reimagine and restore the natural beauty and biodiversity of the creek.

The afternoon began with a planting session, covering 150 meters of creek frontage and adding over 100 native plants. These efforts are aimed at enhancing habitat, water quality, reducing erosion, and creating homes for aquatic and terrestrial species. Volunteers included members of the Jeithi Jerilderie Aboriginal Group, who also provided a delicious afternoon tea for attendees.

Participants then turned their attention to making seed balls, a fun activity that involved mixing potters clay, potting mix, and native grassland seeds supplied by the Murray Local Land Services Seedbank. Once ready to be planted, these seed balls will help to rejuvenate the riparian area and commons, contributing to the broader ecosystem restoration efforts. 

Following the hands-on activities, a community talk highlighted the vital work of YACTAC and the Refreshing Rivers Program. With a focus on restoring habitat for native species like the eel-tailed catfish, whose populations have declined significantly in recent decades. Attendees shared memories of fishing for catfish in the 1970s and 1980s, adding a heartfelt personal connection to the importance of restoration work.

YACTAC extended its gratitude to RES, Felicity Liphuyzen from Landcare and RGA, Ant Jones from Many Mobs, and all the volunteers who made this event a success. Together, we are building a stronger connection between the community and the remarkable Billabong Creek, ensuring its health and vitality for generations to come!

 

RES’ Argoon Wind Farm supports Jerilderie Sports Club to a fundraising record for the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

Jerilderie Sports Club hit a new fundraising record in 2024 with a total of $27,625 raised for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal! RES’ Argoon Wind Farm was proud to support the Club in their fundraising efforts. The Club gives a massive thanks to all who backed the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal, the incredible support from the community, district, and visitors makes a huge difference!