DEECA Loddon Mallee

Reported sick or dead birds or wildlife? Here's what happens next 👇

H5 bird flu has not been detected in Victoria, but community reports play an important role in helping us monitor for signs of disease.

Each report DEECA receive is reviewed and assessed using information such as the species, number of birds affected, location and disease risk.

Not all reports will lead to an investigation, collection or testing. Where further action is needed, we may contact you for more information or arrange collection and testing.

If you see sick or dead birds or wildlife, avoid contact, record its exact location and report it online or call 1800 675 888.

You can also view reports on our online map and follow surveillance activity across the state.

Learn more and view the map: 🔗 agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu

Kellie Sommerville grew up thinking aviation was reserved for big cities or men in the Defence Force. Six years as a seasonal firefighter changed everything.

From helipad cutting in the Grampians to managing Large Air Tanker (LAT) bases, Kellie discovered a massive world of aviation right here in land management in regional Victoria 🚁

Her advice to anyone standing on the ground looking up?

“It is a very real career path for you, don't let the mystery scare you off."

To read Kellie’s story – and find out more about where a stint as a seasonal firefighter can take you – visit
https://www.deeca.vic.gov.au/ourpeopletheirstories/stories/kellie-sommerville,-finding-her-own-path

Applications now open, visit https://jobs.careers.vic.gov.au/sffoo

VicEmergency - Loddon Mallee

🌱 Do you know someone making a difference for our environment?

The 2026 Victorian Landcare Awards shine a spotlight on local champions leading the way in caring for biodiversity.

🖋️ Nominations are open until 31 July 2026 and honour individuals, groups and organisations making outstanding contributions in environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture.

There are multiple national categories, including Women in Landcare, Junior Landcare and Coastcare awards, as well as categories open to Victorians only, including:
🔹Joan Kirner Landcare Award 40th Year Anniversary
🔹Landcare Network Award
🔹Victorian Farmers Federation/Landcare Victoria Heather Mitchell Memorial Fellowship
🔹Environmental Volunteer Group Award

Nominate yourself or an individual, group or organisation you know in your community making a difference with activities that protect and conserve Australia’s biodiversity.

🏆 In 2025, Victorians took home 3 of the 9 national awards at the National Landcare Conference in the Junior Landcare, NextGen Landcare and Australian Government Community Partnerships award categories.

👉 For more information and to nominate: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/landcare-conference-and-landcare-awards/state-territory-landcare-awards-and-national-landcare-awards/

Visit the DEECA website for tips on communicating and promoting your impact and achievements https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/volunteering/volunteering/resources-hub-for-environmental-volunteers/communications-toolkit

📸 2024 Victorian winners included Merri Creek Management Committee, Community Partnerships Landcare Award; Marie Jones, Joan Kirner Landcare Award; Annalise Varker, Horrie Poussard Award; and Bryce Watts-Parker, NextGen Landcare Award.

Landcare Australia Landcare Victoria