Residents are invited to be part of the largest global movement, Earth Hour, at an event on Saturday 30 March at The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan.
Caring for Country will feature elements of traditional Aboriginal culture as a way to connect people with the natural environment.
The free family event will offer one-of-a-kind opportunities to experience the Aboriginal culture including interactive workshops, star gazing and live acoustic and dance performances and is held in partnership between Campbelltown City Council, Camden Council, Wollondilly Council and The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan.
"It is fitting that we celebrate the customs of the traditional custodians of the land on a night when we focus on environmental sustainability and turn off the lights," said Mayor of Campbelltown, Cr George Brticevic.
"Our region is amongst a spectacular natural setting that includes the Nepean River, the Georges River and bushlands that are habitat for some of Australia's rare and endangered wildlife and plant life," Cr Brticevic said.
"This event is a collaborative effort of people from across our communities, working together to focus everyone on the importance of conserving the natural environment," he said.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Peter Sidgreaves, said he was proud Camden Council was involved in supporting this worldwide movement.
"Camden is home to some iconic and breathtaking natural landscapes and wildlife – the flora and fauna throughout the 416-hectare botanical garden at Mount Annan, the Nepean River and the platypuses that call it home," Cr Sidgreaves said.
"It's so important we celebrate our environment and promise ourselves, our children and our community to take care of the neighbourhoods we live in."
The event will include:
- Didgeridoo playing
- A traditional smoking ceremony
- Dreamtime stories
- Stargazing with the Macarthur Astronomical Society
- Acoustic performance by local musician Hamani Tanginoa
- A lesson on bug hotels and habitats
- Bike n Blend, a bike you can pedal to make your own electricity-free juice
- Seed-sorting workshop
- Eco-art workshop
- Boomerang and stone painting with local artists the Black Cockatoos
- Weaving with natural materials
- Didgeridoo workshop
- Clap-stick message stick creation
Caring for Country will be held 5.30pm to 9.30pm, Saturday 30 March at The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan.
