Hoodie Heros inspire action for conservation
The arrival of cold weather brings another breeding season for hooded plovers to a close, and with it the end of the Sharing our Shores campaign on Phillip Island, which featured posters designed by local school children to raise awareness for vulnerable wildlife visiting the coast over summer.
The campaign led by Phillip Island Nature Parks in partnership with Bass Coast Shire Council and the Conservation Regulator helped educate coastal visitors about sharing the beach safely with wildlife and promote small actions they could take to support the survival of threatened species, including the beach-nesting hooded plover.
Hooded plovers are small native birds that nest in sand dunes and raise their chicks along the high tide line between October and May. They are classified as vulnerable in Victoria and face significant risks from beach users and their dogs.
In 2023-24, there were 10 successful fledglings from 12 hooded plover breeding pairs on Phillip Island (Millowl), and although there were six fewer pairings this season, the fledging rate still exceeded national benchmarks.
Jon Fallaw, Conservation Ranger at Phillip Island Nature Parks, said the local community plays a vital role in safeguarding these tiny, yet mighty shorebirds.
“To help the hoodies through the busy summer, rangers alert beachgoers about nesting activity while volunteers assist by monitoring birds. When eggs are found a simple nest refuge is put up that includes signage, rope fences and perhaps chick shelters,” said Mr Fallaw.
As part of the Sharing our Shores campaign, local school children are encouraged to participate in a poster design competition to be ‘A Hoodie Hero’ with the winning entries used in campaign advertising.
Kate Adams, Community Impact Manager at Phillip Island Nature Parks, said starting environmental awareness early is a key part of successful conservation.
“It’s great that kids can learn about protecting nesting shorebirds and share with their communities the importance of working together to ensure these species have a safe haven to breed in each year,” Ms Adams said.
The poster competition was run again recently for the 2024-25 campaign, and after a tough selection process from so many fantastic entries, four winners have now been awarded.
Evelyn Rose – Newhaven College – winner PREP
Charlie – Newhaven College – winner grade 1 and 2
Evelyn – Newhaven College – winner grade 3 and 4
Harvey – Cowes Primary School – winner grade 5 and 6
The winning artworks were chosen for their creative approach to fostering harmonious relationships between all humans and animals on our beautiful beaches.
Harvey, the grade 5 and 6 winner from Cowes Primary School, said he’s loved making artwork since he was two years old and enjoyed the challenge of entering the competition. PREP winner Evelyn Rose said she entered because she wanted to protect the hoodies and always keeps her dog on a lead.
To find out more about threatened species programs for our island haven, download the Threatened Species Report 2023