Community education was undertaken in a number of ways. In March 25 people attended a raptor information day in Bendigo and the VPP was outlined in one session and information boards with sponsor's logos were also on display.
Banding at Exxon/Mobil's Altona refinery, Boral's Montrose quarry and Mawson's Lake Cooper quarry at Colbinabbin each generated news paper articles. The Peregrines breeding at 367 Collins Street continued to attract the most media attention this year. Especially after the whole family was found dead in mid October 2004 from suspected poisoning. Investigations are on going.
The VPP receives an increasing number of requests from students and others seeking to either gain field research experience or just assist as a volunteer. Of particular note was Dean Inglesean a third year science student at La Trobe University in Bundoora who is intending to undertake a raptor research project (possibly on Peregrines) for his Honours in 2005.
In 2004 the VPP supervised two new international students, Bérénice Denis and Solène Gelinet each starting their third year of a five year masters of Agricultural Science in France. Both came to Australia to improve their English and sought hands-on experience in environmental field work. They were very interested in all of the many other aspects of designing, setting up and conducting such a large scale project. Béré stayed for the whole two months of the longer than normal Peregrine season and got to see Peregrines nesting in just about every conceivable situation. Including the overly pink nest box installed at on the water tower at Alcoa Anglesea.
The media campaign and community training days are considered very important aspects of the VPP's education program. One of the more lasting legacies of this project is the training of students in raptor research field techniques. Because few academics undertake studies in this group of birds in Australia, the VPP provides a valuable avenue for students wishing to do so. We feel the learning and exchange of ideas benefits all involved. Already expressions of interest are being received from students for 2005.