Annual General Meeting and Presentation
2026 AGM and Presentation
Presentation: “The role of soil biota in establishing a sustainable urban environment”
Supported by Yarra Ranges Council
 | Saturday 19th September |
 | AGM at 10.00 am followed by presentation at 10.45 am |
 | Montrose Town Centre (map) |
 | RSVP to secretary@meg.org.au by Wednesday 16th September |
Each year, MEG holds an AGM followed by an interesting presentation on a local environmental issue. This year, the presentation features globally recognised plant pathologist and microbiologist, Dr. Mary Cole.
Dr. Mary Cole is a globally recognised plant pathologist and microbiologist. She holds a PhD in Plant Pathology and has over 50 years of experience covering research, education and consultancy in soil health and sustainable agricultural practices. In 1980 she started her own consultancy company Agpath, which in addition to water and soil testing specialises in biological solutions, soil ecology and organic viticulture.
Dr. Cole was awarded the 2025 Victorian Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award for her work and research into sustainable farming practices. Dr. Cole’s passion for sustainable agriculture and healthy soils stems from her father’s love of nature, land preservation and respect for indigenous practices in caring for country.
10.00 am – Annual General Meeting
10.45 am – Presentation
All MEG members and the general public are welcome. Bring friends and relatives! Voluntary cash donations to MEG are encouraged.
| Montrose Town Centre |
| Annually in August-October |
 | Upcoming: Saturday 19th September 2026, 10.00 am |
 | Contact us for more details |
Each year MEG holds an AGM which includes a presentation from an environmental expert followed by light refreshments. This is a great opportunity to connect with other members and learn more about your local environment. The event is usually held in August. In recent years the AGM has been held in the Montrose Town Centre, the costs of which are covered by Councillor Len Cox of the Yarra Ranges Council. Voluntary donations will be contributed to a relevant environmental organisation. The Spinulosa newsletter following each AGM includes an overview of the presentation as well as a summary of MEG's activities over the past year and the Treasurer’s report. In 2020 and 2021, the AGM was held online through Zoom due to COVID-19 restrictions, but AGMs have since returned to in-person.
Recent presentations have included:
- 2016: Zoologist Dr. Lindy Lumsden on bats
- 2017: Environmental scientist Dr. Graeme Lorimer on fire ecology
- 2018: Ecologist John Harris on Melbourne's nocturnal fauna
- 2019: Dr. Ella Kelly on the impact of cane toads on threatened quolls
- 2021: Internationally-recognised photographer and past MEG president Kim Wormald on wildlife and wellbeing
- 2022: Zoologist David De Angelis on conservation of reptiles and frogs in Melbourne's east, particularly the Growling grass frog and Glossy grass skink
- 2023: Wildlife rescuer Nalini Scarfe of Boobook Wildlife Shelter on caring for wildlife
- 2024: Ecologist Annette Muir presenting on the locally indigenous Hairpin Banksia, MEG's emblem
- 2025: Environmental scientist Dr. Graeme Lorimer on recovery after bushfires, particularly the March 2025 fire at Dr. Ken Leversha Reserve, Montrose
The AGM and presentation will be announced in the preceding Spinulosa newsletter. For more details, contact us.
