All residents of Kurri Kurri and surrounds are invited to come together at a second free barbecue at Col Brown Rotary Park this Friday, 21 August.
Running from 2pm to 6pm, the free event is hosted by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC).
People can connect with neighbours, enjoy a barbecue and ice cream, and share experiences of the Kurri Kurri bushland and its role in the community.
Recent community research found local bushland is highly valued for walking, exercise, reflection, spending time with family and friends, connecting with nature, and enjoying moments of peace and reflection.
Nearly three-quarters of respondents agreed that their own wellbeing is linked to the wellbeing of the natural world, and the barbecue will celebrate community connections while creating space for conversations about what local bushland means to people.
Mindaribba LALC and DCCEEW are working together to strengthen connections between community, culture and the natural environment.
Community members are invited to share what they value about the bushland, what helps them enjoy these places, and what opportunities could help more people connect with nature and Country.
Everyone is welcome. No special knowledge is needed, just a willingness to share your experiences and perspectives.
The barbecue is possible thanks to work which is part of a NSW Environmental Trust grant to DCCEEW to explore new ways to engage communities to help conserve local flora and fauna.
Chloe Killen, Senior Social Researcher, said the event is an opportunity to listen and learn from local community members.
"We know the local bushland means different things to different people, whether that's walking, exercising, spending time with family, connecting with nature, or simply finding a place to relax and recharge.
Aaron Mulcahy, DCCEEW Senior Conservation Planning Officer, said: "We're looking forward to hearing what these places mean to our community and how we can help more people enjoy and benefit from them."
Free community barbecue (with ice cream)
- Friday 21 August - a previous successful event was on Friday 14 August
- 2pm-6pm
- Col Brown Rotary Park, Kurri Kurri
