Let loose your wild side at free family fun day
01 June 2023
Be inspired by Ipswich’s natural beauty at a free family fun day on Saturday 10 June.
The event, at Hardings Paddock in the scenic Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate, will be the culmination of the Experience Nature: 40 Ways in 40 Days campaign.
Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson Deputy Mayor Russell Milligan said there would be an abundance of activities for all ages at the Experience Nature Family Day.
“There will be everything from wildlife shows to presentations on local actions to save rare and threatened species of plants and animals,” Deputy Mayor Milligan said.
“The free family event will also launch the latest Ipswich Libraries Tales and Trails initiative with children able to enjoy Once I Munched a Mango while visiting the estate.”
Deputy Mayor Milligan said a program highlight will be the ‘Pollinating Ideas’ debate, featuring compelling arguments over whether birds, bats or bees are the most important species for pollination.
“We are excited to have former Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Hugh Possingham, entomologist and ex-CSIRO research scientist Dr Tim Heard and leading conservation biologist Dr Peggy Eby as our experts to battle it out in this friendly but informative debate,” Deputy Mayor Milligan said.
Division 1 Councillor Jacob Madsen said it was exciting to celebrate at Hardings Paddock the conclusion of a citywide campaign encouraging residents to enjoy the great outdoors in Ipswich.
“Ipswich’s Enviroplan conservation estates and natural areas are protected and maintained to provide habitat for our native plants and animals,” Cr Madsen said.
“They are also places where you can unwind, exercise or enjoy time with family and friends.”
Division 1 Councillor Sheila Ireland said the benefits of enjoying the great outdoors were well-documented.
“There are physical, emotional and social benefits when we take time out to connect with nature,” Cr Ireland said.
“By enjoying our natural areas responsibly, we can reap benefits for ourselves and the environment.”
Register for the free Experience Nature Family Day at Ipswich.qld.gov.au/experiencenature