Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve

Paul Gibbs and Jarrod Fleming gave an in-person talk at the Mary Kehoe Centre, in November 2025. 40 people heard how the Elsternwick Golf Course is being transformed to a Nature Reserve.  Paul Gibbs spoke of the story of how this happened and will continue (he’s the Program Manager). Jarrod Fleming explored the site’s ecological attributes, discussing urban ecology, biodiversity, and the broader environmental benefits of restoring nature in urban settings.

Paul Gibbs (left) to spoke about the journey he has taken from the  beginning of the conversion of the Golf Course to a Nature Reserve. Paul works on Bayside open spaces to ensure they are fit for purpose, now and into the future.

Jarrod Fleming (right) is an experienced ecologist and environmental restoration specialist.  His expertise is constructed wetlands and ecological restoration.  Jarrod is the Project Lead for Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve.

The transformation of the former Elsternwick Park golf course into a natural oasis is bringing nature back into our urban area, and providing refuge and tranquillity for both wildlife and visitors. The new wetlands and water bodies will improve the quality of water flowing into Port Phillip Bay.

The diverse habitat, including new trees and vegetation, is encouraging more native wildlife back to the area, and establishing a biodiversity refuge for exploration, education, and enjoyment for the community.

The project is being delivered and maintained by Bayside City Council, with funding support from the Victorian and Federal Governments.

Paul Gibbs PRESENTATION

Jarrod Fleming’s PRESENTATION

No recording could be made of the seminar due to advice from the presenters.  They were prevented from obtaining full approval from their organisation due to the current Bayside mayoral election.

 

How to Enrol

On-line: after bookings have opened

On-line enrolments are preferred as this significantly reduces the amount of back-office work for our volunteers.

  • Login to the U3APP.org.au website.
  • Go to the Courses & Enrolling page.
  • Scroll down to find the course that you are interested in.
  • Does the course have spaces available?
    • Click on the course name to go to the booking page.
    • Click on “Book for this course or event”.
    • You will receive a confirmation email.  Please check your Junk/Spam folders as these automatically-generated emails often finish up there.
  • OR is the course shown as FULL?
    • Click on WAITLIST.

Paper Enrolment Form: before bookings open for First Semester

  • Obtain a paper Enrolment Form either from the Office or by printing an online copy available here.
  • Complete the paper Enrolment Form and submit it to the Office.

The start date for acceptance of paper Enrolment Forms for first semester is published on the U3APP website and in the e-Bulletin. Enrolment Forms received before this date are treated as though they had been received on the start date (ie there is no advantage to be gained by submitting early). On the start date and thereafter, paper Enrolment Forms are numbered in order of receipt.  Paper Enrolment forms are processed by U3APP volunteers on the same day as on-line bookings.

If your enrolment is successful, you will receive a confirmation email.  Please check your Junk/Spam folders as these automatically-generated emails often finish up there.

If your enrolment is unsuccessful,  you will receive an email telling you that you have been waitlisted.

Via the Office: after bookings have opened

  • Contact the office in person, or by email or phone.