On April 12th, our #ReGenOurCoast team participated in the Boollam Boollam Willum Cultural and Biodiversity Festival, organised by Hobson’s Bay City Council at Truganina Park. This festival was a celebration of First Nations culture and connecting with nature, highlighting the great conservation efforts to preserve biodiversity in the area. Through the many stalls and activities, the community were invited to come together to learn, appreciate the local wildlife, and explore the local wetlands with a fresh perspective.
The local community were offered diverse experiences at the event that left them mesmerised, from basket weaving and Aboriginal art workshops, to nature walks and citizen science activities. The event began with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony involving a melodious Didgeridoo performance that paid homage to the land and its rich ancestral connections. Bunurong Elder Uncle Shane led and guided several nature walks for the participants. These walks provided the participants with intimate insights into the local ecosystems of Hobson’s Bay, fostering a deeper appreciation for the wildlife and unique ecology of the area.
As part of our #ReGenOurCoasts program funded by Beach Energy, we welcomed local community members keen to learn how the installation of biodegradable structures can contribute to the revegetation of saltmarsh ecosystems in the area. Citizen scientists joining our activities learned to identify different saltmarsh species and helped us collect thousands of saltmarsh seeds.
These seeds will aid the revegetation of our degraded coastlines, when they get distributed within the biodegradable structures that can provide stabilisation and protection for the new seedlings while they establish roots and grow stronger. By actively participating in the seed collection process, attendees contributed to our immediate research efforts and became key actors of a long-term strategy for coastal restoration in Truganina.
The Boollam Boollam Willum Cultural and Biodiversity Festival was a great opportunity to engage the local community and highlight First Nations knowledge on nature and biodiversity. By working together and actively taking care of Country, we can make significant progress towards achieving a sustainable and inclusive world for everyone.
#ReGenOurCoast is a program funded by Beach Energy. Visit the #ReGenOurCoast program website for more information!
