News

The Save the Dandenongs League celebrated its 75th anniversary on Saturday, 11 October, marking more than seven decades of dedicated environmental protection in the Dandenong Ranges. See Ranges Trader Article

SDL Inc and friends paid tribute to Betty Marsden OAM yesterday May 29th 2025, being the anniversary of her passing last year. A tree of recognition Acacia dealbata ( Blackwood ) was provided by SDCN Inc. and planted in the bank next to the Education Centre at Birdsland. Here are photos provided by members of the SDCN inc.

It’s sad how early settlers and people right up to today see trees as a resource that needs to be harvested.

The worlds tallest trees the mountain ash that once stood in Gippsland Victoria, taller than the current tallest tree the Canadian redwoods.

Yet thanks to our backwards thinking Government in early 1900s offering a 20 pound reward to anyone who felled a tree taller than 100 Metres in height, they were all obliterated ! FB:NutsAboutGums

It was great to be involved in Kallista's Centenary Celebrations. SDL had a marquis stall at the Festival which we shared with the National Trust DR branch.
Many festival attendees stopped by to talk to us and find out about League activities and history. We were able to hand out membership information and as a result signed up a number of new members.

Betty's extensive achievements and accomplishments were celebrated at a memorial event held on Sunday 13th October at Karwarra Gardens Meeting Room.
The League Committee organised everything very well and approx 25 of Betty's closest friends and associates attended. Several people shared their recollections of Betty and paid tribute to her many strengths, highlighting her ability to achieve positive outcomes in so many different sectors covering environment, heritage, town planning etc.

Dear Members and Friends of Save the Dandenongs League Inc.                                   

It has now been more than two years since we had our last Annual General Meeting, and unfortunately due to ongoing Covid restrictions we're still not sure if we'll be able to meet any time soon.

Despite the lockdowns, your committee has continued working and planning.  So this is an update of what has been keeping us busy over the past 12 months or so.   A lot has been happening, but I have tried to summarise as much as possible.

Carolyn, Ross, Samantha, Catherine, & Betty Marsden OAM President

Ross, Carolyn, Darcy, Betty & Peta

Prof. Michael Buxton from Environment and Planning at R.M.I.T. University.

Remembered by many as a  Councillor with Shire of Sherbrooke from1978 to 1984, Professor Buxton spoke on the changes to Melbourne's Residential Zones and the rise in townhouse and apartment style developments across Melbourne's suburbs.

Critical of government allowing increases in population in areas of Mt. Evelyn, Monbulk, Montrose, Prof. Buxton asked "Why would we want more population in Monbulk?"