By Helen Meyer-Tinning
The Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre welcomes the community to our next Open Day on Saturday 12 October. The Open Day is a celebration of World Migratory Bird Day, which signifies the time of year we welcome migratory birds back to our shores after breeding in the Northern Hemisphere. We also recognise World Mental Health Day by promoting the benefits of nature for wellbeing.
The event will begin with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony by Bunurong Land Council representatives. There will be a free BBQ and throughout the afternoon there will be free activities, including children’s art workshops, music, citizen science, and the ever-popular guided walks. Environmental groups will also be there demonstrating the importance of our environment and the positive things we can do to help preserve and protect it. There will be a coffee cart onsite.
Over many years, people have come along to the Open Days to enjoy nature-based creative activities and to learn about the wetlands and the various critical ecosystems of western Melbourne. Children love the art activities, seeing water bugs through microscopes, and immersing themselves in nature.
Guided walks are a key attraction. Experts in flora and fauna of the area take people on short 40 minute walks to the wetlands to see the birds, the water and the amazing array of plants that thrive there. You can look out for birds who have flown all the way from the Arctic Circle to the Laverton Creek Estuary to feed, and learn about how the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre monitors bird populations. Building knowledge about, and advocating for these ecosystems and the wildlife they support is critical for their survival.
Western Melbourne is incredibly fortunate to have this amazing natural space at its doorstep. We aim to help people learn about the importance of this area and inspire them to want to protect the environment for us and generations to come.
Join us between 12 and 4 pm at Truganina Explosives Reserve 274 Queen Street, Altona
