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Have you walked through the Allen Noble Sanctuary recently?

It is a beautiful and peaceful spot nestled between the Great Ocean Road, the Painkalac Creek Estuary and Split Point at Aireys Inlet.

Photo by Margaret Lacey

Community volunteers from the Aireys Inlet and District Association (AIDA) were originally responsible for its establishment and maintenance and now ANGAIR auspices the Friends of the Allen Noble Sanctuary (FANS) to oversee, with the Surf Coast Shire, the management and planting of this beautiful natural resource.

A happy, dedicated group meet on the fourth Sunday of every month (see calendar entry last page) to remove unwanted weeds and overly vigorous plants and replant seasonally with indigenous species suited to the environment.

The group is very protective of the black swans that nest here every year, sometimes resulting in a family of five or more cygnets.

The sanctuary is also home to a large number of bush and water birds, including the summer migrant Latham’s Snipe, whose conservation status is listed as vulnerable. Nankeen Night Herons have been seen roosting there and Short-finned eels are glimpsed just below the surface. It is a great attraction for tourists and educational for local school children who visit regularly.

It is hoped this community asset will continue to flourish and be a showcase for indigenous flora and fauna.