Celebrate biodiversity at Blue Gum Hills Regional Park
Media release: 22 September 2016
Spring into action and enjoy a family day of celebrations these school holidays at Biodiversity Day in the Blue Gum Hills Regional Park at Minmi, just west of Newcastle and see the world famous Wollemi Pine and the local endangered North Rothbury Persoonia.
Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) spokesperson Pauline Dunne said the Wollemi Pine is a gift from Mt Annan Botanic Gardens.
“One lucky family will have the chance to win the Wollemi Pine, an Iconic Species, to take home and care for, it being one of many prizes donated for the day,” Pauline said.
“This is the fifth year Biodiversity Day has run; it is an opportunity for everyone to enjoy our amazing biodiversity and have some fun with nature,” she said.
“The day kicks off at 10am with the official opening and Welcome to Country starting at 11am.
“Leading experts will be guiding activities for all ages, many of them sure to capture the interest of children, who can join in the planting on the day and next time they visit the park they’ll be able to say I helped create that.
“Interact with and learn more about caring for our native animals and the biodiversity they depend upon with live animal displays from Australian Reptile Park and Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park.
“Trees in Newcastle and Newcastle City Council will be on hand to share their ideas on how to make your backyard a haven for native birds and plants. Hunter Water will provide a hydration station and water bottles to keep cool.”
“Our local area men’s sheds will have possum and bird boxes, even bee hotels on display, for wildlife that may want to play at your place. You can even help create these habitat havens on the day.
“The event is a partnership between OEH Regional Operations and NPWS, local government, environmental and service organisations with funding support from land developers such as the Winten Group, TreeTop Adventure Park and OEH’s Saving our Species program.
“It is a great free school holiday activity with loads of things planned to make it a fun day for all.
“Bring a blanket, water bottle and hat and enjoy Bush poetry with the Hunter Region's most vocal bush orator Bob Skelton the Minmi Magster. There will also be guided walks through the surrounding bushland, heaps of kid’s activities, information stalls and a free sausage sizzle served by the Jesmond Lions Club,” Pauline said.
Biodiversity Day will be held on Thursday 29th September between 10am and 3pm. Blue Gum Hills Regional Park is on Minmi Road, Minmi, close to the F3 just west of Newcastle.
Iconic Species
Iconic species are important socially, culturally and economically, that the community expects to be effectively managed and protected.
The NSW Government’s innovative new project Saving our Species includes $1.48 million in funding up to 2016 already allocated to implement actions for the following five iconic species:
Contact: Lawrence Orel
Page last updated: 23 September 2016
