THE Gloucester Show on 20-21 March will feature a “Sustainability Corner”, where locals can learn what it takes to build a resilient community.
Gloucester Transitions approached the show committee with the idea.
Member Megan Benson told News Of The Area that the aim is to get people thinking about how they can do “their bit for our environment and our community [while learning] about the ways we can mitigate and prepare for extreme weather events.”
Stallholders will include MidCoast Council, RENEW Hunter Region, Koala Safe Space, Gloucester Men’s Shed, FAWNA (For Australian Wildlife Needing Aid) and Gloucester Environment Group.
Council’s Catchment and Water Quality teams will have a working model demonstrating how rain falling in the catchment makes its way into the rivers then to the ocean, highlighting how the water can become contaminated along the way by different human activities.
“It shows us that if we make the right choices, we can keep water quality good and protect the places we love,” Ms Benson said.
The Koala Safe Space table will give away local koala feed and habitat plants.
Staff are also available for restoration, conservation and planting advice.
RENEW will focus on homes and lifestyles, paying particular attention to home comfort during heatwaves and cold snaps.
They will have an interactive display for the kids, as well as discussing the uptake and understanding of home energy options such as rooftop solar and batteries.
The Gloucester Men’s Shed will showcase its recycling initiatives and a range of items crafted by members from materials that would otherwise have gone to landfill.
The display highlights the Shed’s commitment to sustainability, resourcefulness and practical community action, and demonstrates how recycling and reuse can reduce waste while strengthening community connections.
FAWNA will display information and models about local wildlife and provide information on how to build backyard watering stations.
A terracotta bird bath will be raffled to help support and fund FAWNA’s services.
For those interested in participating in bushwalks, planting and rehabilitation projects, educational events, and bird watching in and around Gloucester, be sure to visit the Gloucester Environment Group’s table.
There will be a kid’s craft activity table to keep little ones occupied while parents speak to stallholders.
To become disaster resilient, the Australian Red Cross emphasises the steps that people need to take to be prepared both practically and psychologically.
They are: Know your risks and assess your strengths. Stay connected to your community. Get organised.
To this end, the Gloucester Rural Fire Service and its truck will be at the Show on Friday, for schoolchildren.
They will have free show bags containing practical resource materials to help people plan for future bushfire seasons.
On Saturday night the RFS will be on standby at the fireworks display.
The SES (State Emergency Service) will have their rescue vehicles and boats on display.
They will also have information brochures on how to prepare households for floods, storms and tsunamis.
For more information go to gloucestershow.org.au.
By Marilyn SANDERSON
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