Gardens for Wildlife Greater Dandenong (G4WGD) is a free program open to local households, businesses, and community groups which provides guidance on wildlife gardening to support the unique plants and animals that also call Greater Dandenong home. The voting closed in February 2022 and the winner, the yellow-tailed black cockatoo was announced in June 2022.
Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo
These handsome birds can be recognised by their distinctive yellow cheek patch and loud, wailing calls. Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoos can be found in a range of environments, though they are especially fond of eucalypt woodlands.
Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoos love to feast on a variety of plants like Banksias, Wattles, and the iconic Sheoke, which is featured with this mascot.
Eastern Long-necked Turtle
As its name suggests, the Eastern Long-Necked Turtle is known for its long neck, which you might spot peaking above the water surface for a breath of air. These turtles are certainly charming, but careful not to frighten them: they can emit a stinky substance from special glands when threatened, similar to a skunk.
This freshwater turtle likes to swim in slow-moving water like dams, rivers, and lakes, where you may also find the beautiful Swamp Goodenia. Pictured alongside this mascot, the Swamp Goodenia is a low-growing plant with many sunny, yellow flowers and soft, hairy leaves.
Pobblebonk Frog
“Pobble… pobble…” There’s no wondering why the Pobblebonk received its unusual name once you hear its characteristic croak. These large frogs like to burrow underground during the hot, dry season and re-emerge once it rains.
The Pobblebonk mascot is also pictured with the Swamp Goodenia, which also favours wet, marshy environments.
Short-beaked Echidna
Did you know that Echidnas turn over approximately 200 cubic metres of soil per year? As they dig, these spiny superheroes help with nutrient circulation, water penetration, and plant growth, and are super important for the environment.
Echidnas live in a range of environments including forests, scrublands, and woodlands. In these places you can often find the Spreading Flax Lily, which is featured alongside this mascot. During summer, this beautiful plant produces small, blue berries, which are a tasty treat for many local animals
Wandering Ringtail Damselfly
Have you ever spied a Wandering Ringtail in the City of Greater Dandenong? It’s hard to miss such a brilliant blue. They can usually be found near slow or still water, where they lay their eggs.
This mascot pictures Australian Sweet Grass which provides habitat to countless indigenous species along swamps, streams, and marshy environments.
