Tarrangower Cactus Control Group, Tarrangower Times
Last weekend an enthusiastic group of Monash University students made their annual field trip to Maldon to help win our war against Wheel Cactus. The weather gods were happy, turning on the sunshine, and everybody had a fun and rewarding day killing some Wheel Cactus, topped off with a delicious BBQ lunch.
Members of the Monash Uni Biological Society have been visiting the Tarrangower Cactus Control Group during their mid-year holidays since 2012, and thoroughly enjoy their ‘cactus trip’ out into the bush.
“We get to see real weed problems first-hand, learn about the devastating impact caused by landscape-scale weed infestations, and see some of the amazing work done by volunteers,” said trip leader Thimuthu.
Other comments from the students were:
“I didn’t expect to see anything this bad!”,
“It is pretty scary to imagine what the area would look like if your group did not exist,” and
“It’s really rewarding to help out a bit.”
They’re not all science students but study quite a variety of courses. What they share is a passion and concern for the natural environment. Their interest and support are greatly appreciated, as is the funding provided by the Mount Alexander Shire Council, which helps to cover the cost of equipment and catering for this valuable, younger-person experience.
The TCCG has slightly adjusted its objectives over the past few years, now focusing more on smaller neighbourhood working bees. We’re still available to assist property owners, especially new ones, to control their Wheel Cactus infestations. Please contact us at info@cactuswarriors.org if you’d like any advice or assistance.
This article appeared in Tarrangower Times, 4 July 2025.
