The Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre will be located on the HD Graham Reserve in Altona Meadows, which is in the state of Victoria, Australia.  We will develop the Centre through a staged approach as funds become available.  Help us to realise this aim by supporting our work. Until we establish our new Centre, we are temporarily located at the Truganina Explosives Reserve in Altona, adjacent to the HD Graham Reserve (see Google Maps).

What will our Centre look like?
Our Centre will: 
‣ Be architect designed with a biophilic approach
‣ Blend in with its natural surroundings
‣ Be purpose-built as a community asset
‣ Optimise visitor experience
‣ Have flexible spaces for meetings and other activities
‣ Have office and storage spaces
‣ Have interpretive displays
‣ Have signboards about the wetlands and its cultural heritage
‣ Connect to the natural environment via boardwalks and paths
‣ Have a nature play area
‣ Have a predator proof fence to enhance biodiversity

Who will use our Centre?
Our Centre will be used by:
‣ Centre volunteers and staff
‣ Tourists and local visitors
‣ Schools
‣ Citizen scientists
‣ Academic researchers
‣ Hobsons Bay Conservation Rangers
‣ Environmental  Friends Groups
‣ Health and wellbeing programs

How will our Centre be used?
Our Centre will provide opportunities for recreation, education, conservation and connection with others.

Recreation for health and wellbeing
Our Centre will encourage people of all ages to connect with and relax amongst nature, with all the inherent benefits to the mind and body.  The Centre will link with existing picnic areas and trails.  There will be a nature play area for children.  It will be used for bird watching, observing nature, walking tours, and photography and art classes.  It will provide a healthy, peaceful, natural environment for activities that support wellbeing, such as meditation and walking.

Education and learning
Our Centre will increase awareness of the important role played by wetlands in many ways, including combatting climate change.  U3A, universities, schools and kindergarten groups will enjoy a range of activities in the Centre and its surrounding areas.  It will expand knowledge of the local environment and cultural heritage.  There will be guided walks, interactive interpretive displays and community events at the Wetlands Centre.

Conservation and research programs
Our Centre will work alongside Council, Government departments and universities to implement local, national and international biodiversity and conservation strategies.   Priorities will include enhanced habitat protection within the East Asian Australasian migratory bird flyway and protection of local threatened species of all kinds.

Connection with others
Our Centre will be available as a meeting space for community groups and as a base for nature-based special interest groups, such as birdwatching, photography and nature art groups.  It will be a place for festivals and events.   It will be a draw card for locals and visitors from across Melbourne and beyond.

What is the strategic context of our Wetlands Centre?
Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre supports a number of strategies and plans at international, Commonwealth, State and Local Government levels.  These strategies are aimed at protecting and restoring the natural environment as well as promoting community health and wellbeing.