FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the Ecocentre all about? What are our goals?

A. The EcoCentre’s vision is to be a vibrant, accessible network engaging and enabling the community in long-term social and environmental well-being.   Our mission is to preserve & enhance our natural heritage and sustainably manage our environment & resources. We do this through working with our community, in and around the Port Phillip Council area, to inspire, to educate and to demonstrate.

The EcoCentre has been structured as a regional 'umbrella' environment organization, that initiates educational projects and provides meeting space, office facilities, an environmental reference library and an example of environmental action in practice.  In providing a focus for community groups and individuals to meet and share knowledge and resources, the EcoCentre builds networks, maximizing positive environmental action, with a flow-on effect of awareness among the general community.   For more information see Background.

Q2. How long has the EcoCentre been here?

A. Constructed in the mid 1960s, the building used to be a 1 star energy rated, three bedroom brick veneer house.  In 1999, a joint-retrofit project was undertaken, bringing it up to a 5 star energy rated building, a model sustainable house and a community space.  In 2009, the EcoCentre celebrated its 10th Birthday. For more information see History. 

Q3. What is the connection between the EcoCentre and the City of Port Phillip?

A. Whilst the EcoCentre is an independent organisation, we do have strong local partnerships, such as the City of Port Phillip.  Local council provides annual funding, which contribute to our operational costs and help us to keep the doors open.  We also receive support and work in partnership with their Sustainability Department.  Local council representatives support us, by attending our events and help to promote our work through their promotional channels.  The EcoCentre supports local council by providing opportunities for Sustainability and Community Departments further aims and achieve their objectives.  We assist in public education and providing opportunity and all of our programs are delivered for the benefit of the local community. 

Q4. What are the EcoCentre’s opening hours?

A. Our opening hours can be found on the Contact Us page of our website.  Opening hours may incur seasonal changes.  

Q5. Can I drop by and visit the EcoCentre? 

A. Yes, we welcome visitors to the EcoCentre during opening hours.  The centre is a multi-use space - a workplace, a community hub and a living example of sustainability.  You may undertake a self-guided tour at your leisure, or book a guided tour by giving us a call.   Also, as our team is delivering a number of programs, please also respect the office as a quiet workspace.  Our team undertake work behind the scenes to deliver community projects , as well as assisting the general public.  

Q6. How does the EcoCentre fund itself?

A. We have a diversity of funding sources, the majority of which are sourced by our team. The City of Port Phillip, provides financial support which contributes to our operational costs.  We source from government and non-government grants, corporate sponsorship, philanthropic and self-generated business.  We are also rely on the generous support of our EcoCentre members, who's membership allows us to continue our work. 

Q7.   Do we have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status and can we auspice other organisations?

A.  Yes we have DGR and yes, where relevant we can auspice other organisations.

Q8. Where does my money go when I become a member, donate or make a bequest?

A. Your money goes straight back into the work of the EcoCentre - to assist our operations, fund our programs and purchase essential equipment.  Your membership comes with entitlements including; use of the EcoCentre Resource Room (computers and library), EcoCentre Newsletters and Events Bulletin and invitation to - and voting rights at - our AGM.   We encourage our members to be actively involved in the EcoCentre.  

Q9. I have a small business, and I'd like to support the Ecocentre in some way, how could I do that?

A. The EcoCentre welcomes business partnerships.   Please call or email our EcoBusiness Manager Bede, to organise an appointment. P. 9534 0670 /  E. bede@ecocentre.com

Q10. Are there employment opportunities at the EcoCentre?

A. Yes, we do employ staff at the EcoCentre, as well as volunteers.  As we are a not-for-profit community organisation, we generate and source all of our income -including staff wages. Current employment positions that are vacant are advertised on our website.  

Q11. Does the EcoCentre endorse particular suppliers of environmental products?

A. The EcoCentre team has some experience and knowledge about particular products and may be able to provide helpful advice.  However, as new products are continually emerging, pamphlets that you may find at the EcoCentre may not have been trialled by us. Thus we may not be able to comment on the product and it is advisable to contact the supplier/manufacturer.   

Q12. What sorts of groups are entitled to hire the EcoCentre facilities? 

A. Groups that hire our facilities are aware of our EcoCentre vision and their event is aligned with our objectives (see Our Vision).  Groups such as environmental organisations, local Friends Groups, Councils and local community welfare organisations. We do not hire out for weddings, birthdays or engagement parties.  Please contact the EcoCentre to see if your planned activity is suitable for the venue.

Q13. What is the waste management system & how do I use it properly?

A. We have three waste streams: General waste, Co-mingled Recycling and Organic, each with their own coloured bin situated outside on the eastern deck. There are also 3 smaller bins inside - Compost on the kitchen bench and Rubbish and Recycling under the kitchen sink.  240L wheelie bins are located at the back of the building for General waste and Recycling.  We have a 3-stage compost heap located in the garden.   (See question on compost below)

Q14. I have an idea for a project, what should I do?

A. If you have an idea for a project that you would like to deliver through the EcoCentre, you need to consider the following points: 

• Thoroughly read through our website and understand our vision and objectives; 

• Visit and acquaint yourself with the EcoCentre, the team and the current programs and events; 

• Ensure that your project is consistent with our vision and objectives and within the capacity of a small, not-for-profit organisation; 

• In a brief proposal, provide an outline of the proposed project including your personal or team’s time commitment and a timeline; and

• Develop a summary budget for your project.

Once you have undertaken the process outlined above, Contact Us for information on submitting your proposal.

Q15. What tours are available?  How do I make a booking?

A. We have several tours available for individuals or groups. For schools see Schools.

• EcoHouse Self Guided Tour:  we have a self-guided tour map available for $2.  During business hours, you may drop in and undertake a self-guided tour of the EcoCentre’s sustainable features.  (Please note: access may not be available during hours of peak use and events)

• EcoHouse Guided Tour: guided tours are available for individuals and groups by appointment. Please Contact Us to book

• Port Phillip Baykeeper Coast Walk: see Bay Keeper for information on how to book

• Penguin Research or Tours: one of our Affiliate Members EarthCare operate these, for more information visit Earthcare.

Q16. I have heard or read about an event happening at the EcoCentre, how do I participate?

A. All public events organised by the EcoCentre will be on our Events Calendar.  Go to Events, click on the event on the calendar and another screen will open with details about how to RSVP. We also list Affiliate and other related events on the calendar. If you cannot locate it on our calendar, the event may have been organised by another organisation.

Q17. I have previously seen a program or event advertised, but now cannot find it on your Events page.  Is it still running?

A. We have many people who deliver a projects & programs – long-term, short-term & occasional.  If you cannot locate the Event or Program on our website or noticeboards  then it is not currently operating or has not been organised by the EcoCentre.

Q18. Do you have any Eco items for sale, and can I ask for a tax invoice? 

A. All items for sale can be found on our EcoShop.  Yes, you may ask for a tax invoice when you purchase items in person at the Ecocentre.  If you pay online via PayPal, and you'd like a tax invoice, please let us know by sending an email to info@ecocentre.com.  Please note that purchasing items from the Ecocentre does not qualify for a tax deduction in the same way that a donation does.   Please ask your tax accountant if you're unsure about whether your purchase should be included in your income tax return. 

Q19. I don’t know how to use PayPal, what do I do? 

A. There are several payment options for purchases. To use PayPal through our EcoShop, you will need to set-up a PayPal account.  This only takes a minute to do and the minimum you require is an email address.  Follow the directions on the PayPal website.  We also take cheque, money order or cash.  Alternatively, you can direct debit into the EcoCentre bank account.  Please Contact Us for details on direct debit. 

Q20. I noticed you have community gardens, can I get involved?

A. The EcoCentre has its own community garden, that we use for tour groups, education and to feed the team.  Unlike other community gardens, we do not sub-let plots to the public.  You can become involved by volunteering for the EcoCentre and requesting to help in the garden.  To volunteer visit click here. 

Q21. What happens to the food produced in the garden. Is there opportunity to purchase some?

A. The food produced in our garden is harvested to feed our team and to contribute to catering at our events.    We have Sunday Garden Work Bees where you can .  On weekends, check the EcoShop for extra harvested veggies, or borrow scissors to snip fresh herbs, for a donation.  You can also regularly purchase organic fruit and vegetables through our SKOF (St Kilda Organic Food Co-Op) Program. 

Q22. Can I drop off my compost into the EcoCentre compost?

A. Yes, if you do not have a compost bin at home, you may use our outside compost heap.  Please read the signage and empty your compost into the appropriate area, either ‘Active’ or ‘Compost Here.’  Do not empty into ‘Ready’ or ‘Resting’.  Please do not place bio-degradable plastic bags, meat or significant volumes of dairy or citrus in our compost. 

Q21. Can I buy seedlings?

A. Yes we do sell seedlings at certain times through the year.  It is best to drop into the EcoCentre to see what varieties are for sale, as the staff in the Office answering the phone may not know.  At other times during the year, all of our seedlings are being grown to be planted in our garden.   FSKBG (Friends of St Kilda Botanic Gardens) also sell seedlings on Saturday. 

Q22. Can the public use the sandpit and children's garden area?

A. Yes, the sandpit and small garden area, adjacent to the EcoCentre garden is a public sandpit available for use during the Botanic Gardens opening hours (sunrise - sunset).

Q23. Can I exchange my old showerhead for a water-saving showerhead?

A. Yes, we are a showerhead exchange point.  You need to detach your old showerhead and bring it into the EcoCentre.  After you complete a form, we take your old showerhead and give you a new, water-saving one.    (NB. In consideration of South East Water's free water efficient appliance the customer allows South East Water to claim and sell the greenhouse Credits should a trading scheme in Victoria commence.)  

Q24. I have a pre-loved piece of equipment / furniture / something useful, should I drop it off at the EcoCentre?

A. We appreciate the thought, though we do not have excess storage space.  If you think the item may be of significant worth to us, please email details of the item to info@ecocentre.com.   Also visit Donations & Bequests to view our current wish list. 

Q25. I have a question relating to the St Kilda Botanic Gardens, who can I ask?

A. We are situated inside the Botanic Gardens, but the gardens themselves, and events in the gardens are managed by the City of Port Phillip, call ASSIST on (03) 9209 6777.  The gardens are open between sunrise and sunset, 7 days/week.  There are information brochures located in the greenhouse, in the conservatory and in the EcoCentre.  For weekend plant sales, see FSKBG (Friends of St Kilda Botanic Gardens). 

Q26. What do I do if I find an injured animal in the Botanic Gardens?

A. You may like to call WildLife Victoria on (03) 9445 0310 or AWARE (Australian Wildlife Assistance Rescue and Education) on 0412 433 727.    Alternatively St Kilda Vet Clinic is located at 117 Chapel St, St Kilda – phone (03) 9534 1741.  You may also be able to locate one of the friendly Parks and Gardens staff who may be able to assist you.

Q27. Where can I get more information on an environmental subject?

A. Have a good search through our website, especially the Resources pages and also try links to our Affiliate groups.  Our staff have experience across a range of areas and may be able to assist if you drop by to ask.  EcoCentre members have access to our Resource Library, where you may find your answer and also the St Kilda Library is located within walking distance (on Carlisle St, opposite the St Kilda Town Hall.)  The council Sustainability  Department may also be of help, visit http://www.enviroehub.com.au/