Shellharbour City Council is inviting the community to learn more about one of the region's most elusive native species at a free nature talk focused on sugar gliders in the Illawarra.
Caption: Sugar Glider. Image courtesy of Ruby McPhillips.
The evening event will be held at Shellharbour City Library on Thursday 21 May from 6 to 7.30pm. It will feature University of Wollongong graduate Ruby McPhillips, who will present on sugar gliders found across Shellharbour and Wollongong.
The session will highlight how these small nocturnal marsupials interact with their environment, including their role in pollinating native plants within the endangered Illawarra Lowlands Grassy Woodlands.
Attendees will hear about current research, local populations and the importance of protecting habitats that support these unique animals.
Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer said the talk offers a chance to connect with local wildlife that often goes unseen.
"Sugar gliders are part of our local environment, but because they are active at night, many people never get the opportunity to see them," Mayor Homer said.
"This event is a great way for the community to better understand these animals and the role they play in keeping our local ecosystems healthy."
The talk is part of Shellharbour City Council's ongoing Nature Talk series, designed to inspire curiosity, build environmental awareness and encourage the community to engage with the natural world.
The event is aimed at adults, however children aged 10 and over are welcome when accompanied by an adult.
Bookings are essential and tickets are free. Visit the Shellharbour City Library website to book.
KEY MESSAGES:
- The free nature talk will explore sugar gliders and their role in the Illawarra environment.
- University of Wollongong graduate Ruby McPhillips will share local research and insights.
- The event takes place on Thursday 21 May at Shellharbour City Library, with bookings essential.
