Families in Wollongong took part in several free, educational nature activities at the ‘Nature Shake’ event in the Botanic Gardens on Saturday 7 September.
The Nature Shake involved a variety of activities including recycled play activities, a silent disco, talks about habitats and wildlife, a ‘Dear Tree Listening Experience’ where attendees could listen to an audio file of local people speaking from the heart to their favourite tree and acknowledging the position of nature in their lives, as well as bush stick shelter building, and a range of Aboriginal cultural activities such as weaving. There were also multiple food stalls including a pancake flip-and-switch stall and coffee van located near the Garden’s Education Centre.
Morgan Lockyer, 33, from Wollongong attended the community event with her eight year old son Henry and four year old daughter Evelyn. Mrs Lockyer said that both of her children enjoyed participating in the activities and that they were suitable for all age groups.
“The kids loved playing bird bingo and the float your boat challenge,” Mrs Lockyer said.
“It’s so nice that there are free community events like this that people of any age can participate in.”
Regular visitor of the gardens Gary Webb, 54, said that events like Nature Shake are so needed in the community, and that it was lovely to see young people in Wollongong learning about nature and Aboriginal culture.
“I often come for a walk in the gardens,” Mr Webb said.
“I didn’t know this event was on today, but it’s great to see the kids getting involved in the Indigenous activities.
“It’d be great to see more community events like this.”
The community is hopeful that the educational, family-friendly event is one of many to be held at the Wollongong Botanic Gardens.
