Calendar of Free Activities
Unless otherwise stated, these activities are free for everyone thanks to the generosity of our funders, volunteers, partners & friends.
Please share our events on Facebook. Also, please consider becoming a member of MEHG for only $10 a year. Active members can seek reimbursement for personal equipment, training and expenses, subject to funding.
Do you have a free environmental activity that you would like posted here? Or are you interested in becoming a volunteer to help us at our events? All enquiries to info@mehg.org.au
Now until 30th September 2023
DRAFT ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY – HAVE YOUR SAY
View the City of Mandurah’s Draft Environment Strategy and Implementation Plan and give your feedback before it is finalised.
You can fill in the one-minute survey and/or add an idea to the feedback forum.
September 2023
DISCOVER AND EXPLORE MANDURAH’S NATURE TRAILS
Spring has sprung, and what better time to get outdoors and discover trails and reserves you may have never visited before.
Don’t know where to start? No worries, we’ve worked it all out for you. Each route has been carefully chosen and trialled by a dedicated member of our committee.
We’d love to hear what you think of our Mandurah Nature Trails Maps.
September 2023
NATURE PACT
This is the month that Australians are invited to make a pact to spend at least 2 hours a week connecting with and caring for nature. The People and Parks Foundation call this Nature Dosing.
“Nature Dosing feels great, is good for us and good for our environment. It’s non pharmaceutical, doesn’t require private health insurance and it’s free. And fun.”
Find out more.
Sunday 1st October 2023
ECOLOGY IN ACTION – PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
Today is the closing date for this free-to-enter competition which highlights Australian biodiversity and ecosystems, and the role of ecologists in unravelling their mysteries.
👉 Prizes for First Place ($450) and Runner Up ($250) will be awarded in each category.
👉 A prize of $300 will be awarded to the photo judged the best in the competition over all
👉 Find out more: ecolsoc.org.au/opportunities/photography-competition
Thursday 5th October 2023 · 6.00pm
PEEL PRESERVATION GROUP AGM
Our friends at Peel Preservation Group Inc. cordially invite you to attend their Annual General Meeting with guest speaker Binu Ekanaike from the Conservation Council of WA who will be talking about the Go Beyond Gas campaign.
Some of our local council election candidates will be attending to answer your questions about their environmental policies.
👉 Venue: Lakelands Community House, 20 Dalona Parkway, Lakelands 6180
👉 RSVP: info@peelpreservation.org.au or 0417 947 613
👉 Light supper provided.
Tell Minister Whitby to help WA to Go Beyond Gas
There’s one state where carbon emissions have risen since 2005. It’s also the only one with no 2030 reduction target. Find out which one courtesy of the ABC.
Saturday 7th October 2023 · 10.00am – 11.30am
THE FASCINATING WORLD OF FROGS
Mandurah Community Gardens are hosting this free workshop with Sandra Playle. “From the well-known and familiar local Motorbike Frog and other species, you will learn how they help the environment and how important a healthy environment is for them.”
👉 Location: Mandurah Community Gardens, Coodanup Drive, Coodanup 6210
👉 Find out more and book your free place.
Thursday 12th October 2023 · 5.30pm – 7.00pm
MANDURAH ENVIRONMENT & HERITAGE GROUP COMMITTEE MEETING
MEHG members, supporters and would-be members are invited to our monthly meetings which are held on the second Thursday of the month at 5.30pm. Enormous thanks to Peel-Harvey Catchment Council for allowing us to meet in their state-of-the art shed at the rear of their premises at 58 Sutton Street, Mandurah.
Not a member yet? Join MEHG or renew your membership.
If you would like to join the meeting on Zoom, please contact us for the Zoom password.
Find out more about MEHG membership.
Friday 13th October 2023 · 6.00pm
WETLANDS STORIES – OPENING LAUNCH
Celebrate the opening of this immersive interactive exhibition in conjunction with Lisa Wray and her Estuarine Exhibition.
👉 Location: Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Foyer
👉 Find out more: mariemitchellart.com.au/wetland-stories-exhibition
Friday 13th – Sunday 15th October 2023
ANNUAL WA BEACH CLEAN-UP
Choose which beach that you’d like to clean up, and register your event on the Tangaroa Blue website.
We are happy to publicise your activity. Just email the details to us.
Find out more: tangaroablue.org/2023-wa-beach-clean-up
Saturday 14th October 2023
WHY THE AUSTRALIAN CLIMATE MOVEMENT SUPPORTS WRITING “YES” TO THE VOICE
“Australia is home to the oldest continuous culture on Earth. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been caring for Country for millennia. First Nations people are the first scientists and leaders in nature restoration, land management and climate solutions.”
“The Australian climate movement has stood up to vested interest groups attempting to impede meaningful action on climate change in this country. These same political culture wars are now attempting to fuel racism and divide us.”
Read more.
Saturday 14th October 2023 · 8.30am – 12.30pm
WONDERS OF OUR WETLANDS FESTIVAL
MEHG will be providing free family-friendly activities at this annual nature-based festival on the Coodanup Foreshore in Mandurah with activities for all, including market stalls, food vendors, live music, family-friendly educational activities, the popular dogs breakfast and a citizen science foreshore clean-up (see below).
Also Wetlands Impressions: Paint a watercolour landscape with the Plein Air Artists. Materials supplied.
The Wonders of Our Wetlands Festival is a celebration of our wonderful waterways that form the Peel-Yalgorup Wetlands.
👉 Find out more: peel-harvey.org.au/wetlands-festival-2023
Coinciding with World Migratory Bird Day, the weekend will include a multi-media art exhibition about wetland conservation with hands-on activities at ManPAC entitled Wetland Stories.
Saturday 14th October 2023 · 9.00am – 11.00am
PAVE THE WAY – WETLANDS WEEKENDER ANNUAL CLEAN-UP
Location: Coodanup Foreshore Reserve, Coodanup 6210
Our friends at Coastal Waste Warriors invite you to help clean up this popular foreshore. For minimal effort you will make a big impact helping to remove litter and marine debris from our waterways.
Clean-up equipment is supplied, just bring your enthusiasm to make a difference. All ages are welcome!
Find out more: coastalwastewarriors.com.au/get-involved
Now until Saturday 14th October 2023
TINY REVOLUTIONS
What’s troubling your corner of the world? You are invited to submit an issue that keeps you up at night, as pvi gets set to take their acclaimed think-tank performance Tiny Revolutions to the Mandurah Arts Festival on 14th October. Take your pick of 15 epic global challenges, and your submissions will form the basis of their “rebel meeting” where attendees will help devise a creative response to be delivered in the public realm – a tiny revolution.
Sunday 15th October 2023 · 1.00pm
MANDURAH DOLPHIN RESCUE – STORIES & PHOTOGRAPHY
This free event features an artist talk with fine art photographer Sharon Meredith, and a community presentation with Mandurah Dolphin Rescue Group volunteer Robyn Bickell.
Sharon’s artwork for the Wetland Stories exhibition explores the work by the Mandurah Volunteer Dolphin Rescue Group. Using projection photography, Sharon has photographed portraits of members of group who work tirelessly to protect the dolphin population in the Peel-Yalgorup Ramsar Wetlands. Sharon will give insights to the creative process behind these portraits, along with other works in the exhibition.
Robyn will share stories about local Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, from rescues and citizen projects to taking action through local clean-ups. Learn how the community can get involved to help conserve the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins.
👉 Location: Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Gallery
👉 Find out more: mariemitchellart.com.au/wetland-stories-exhibition
16th – 22nd October 2023
AUSSIE BIRD COUNT
This is Australia’s biggest citizen science event. Join in by observing and counting the birds around you during National Bird Week – whether it’s in your backyard, local park or favourite outdoor space.
Registrations are already open: aussiebirdcount.org.au
#AussieBirdCount
Now until 18th October 2023
WIN A LUXURY SUSTAINABLE HOLIDAY
Enter this competition just by recycling your old phone!
There are nearly 5 million broken mobile phones in Australia. If they were all recycled, we would prevent over 8,000 tonnes of mineral resources from being mined, while also saving carbon emissions equivalent to planting 42,000 trees.
Find out more.
Wednesday 18th October 2023 · 5.00pm – 7.00pm
ENVIRONMENTAL VOLUNTEER WORKSHOP
Calling current volunteers, or those looking to try something new, you are invited to attend the Mandurah Environmental Volunteer Alliance (MEVA) workshops to learn more about operating as a volunteer on City-owned land and take part in some networking.
These free workshops are held every two months and cover:
👉 How environmental volunteering in our community protects and nurtures our local environment
👉 Important information about insurance and procedures while operating on City land
👉 Networking and collaboration
👉 Upskilling and training opportunities
👉 How the City of Mandurah can support you in your operations and capacity building
NEW: October’s workshop is called Communities, Classrooms & Conservation. The aim is to get teachers, volunteers and community groups together to learn from each other and build new relationships. Ideally, this will culminate in students getting out in our environment and helping with conservation. It’s a great opportunity to spread your message and recruit volunteers.
👉 New location: John Tonkin College – Tindale Campus – 35 Gibla Street, Mandurah 6210
👉 Find out more and book your free place.
Saturday 21st October 2023 · 1.00pm
COASTAL WASTE WARRIORS – STORIES & PHOTOGRAPHY
This free event features an artist talk with fine art photographer Sharon Meredith, and a community presentation with Coastal Waste Warriors founder Kirstin Field.
Sharon’s artwork for the Wetland Stories exhibition explores the work by community group Coastal Waste Warriors. The exhibition includes a portrait of Kirstin, along with a piece inspired by the Luca’s Legacy Clean-Up. Sharon will give insights to the creative process behind these works along with other pieces displayed in the exhibition.
Coastal Waste Warriors has been operating for over 4 years and, through their monthly clean-ups, have collected over 4 tonnes of litter and 1,000,000 individual pieces of litter. Hear their moving and inspiring story of how the group came to be and how it has evolved into a movement with several hundred volunteers who are reducing the litter and marine debris in our local waterways. Learn how you can become involved and make a difference.
👉 Location: Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Gallery
👉 Find out more: mariemitchellart.com.au/wetland-stories-exhibition
Sunday 22nd October 2023 · 9.00am – 12.00pm
LUCA’S LEGACY · REEL IT IN · ANNUAL CLEAN UP EVENT
Location: Eggies Surf Break / Dawesville Cut / Avalon Beach, Wannanup 6210
Our friends at Coastal Waste Warriors invite you to help clean up these important dolphin areas. For minimal effort you will make a big impact helping to remove litter and marine debris from our waterways.
Clean-up equipment is supplied, just bring your enthusiasm to make a difference. All ages are welcome!
Find out more: coastalwastewarriors.com.au/get-involved
Meet the Dolphin Scientist!
Dr. Krista Nicholson from Mandurah Dolphin Research Project will be at Luca’s Legacy Clean Up Event – Site 1 Dawesville Cut – to answer all your dolphin questions. Click “Going” at facebook.com/events/602961668449490
Here is the sad story of young dolphin Luca courtesy of the ABC.
Tuesday 24th October 2023 at 6.00pm
WILDFLOWERS & BIRDS OF FRASERS LANDING
Frasers Landing invites you to spend an enchanting evening with locals Barry Collis and Margaret Petridis as they present a delightful showcase of the bountiful wildflowers and birds that grace our community.
👉 Venue: Frasers Landing Community Centre, 1 Landings Boulevard, Coodanup 6210
👉 Light supper and tea/coffee provided.
👉 Find out more and book your free place
Frasers Landing Calendars for 2024 will be available for sale at $20 each, with proceeds going to the Mandurah Community Gardens.
Friday 27th October 2023 at 8.30am
BIRD WATCHING OUTING
The next Mandurah Bird Observers Group outing will be to Erskine Lakes. Details to be confirmed nearer the time.
👉 BYO chair, morning tea, binoculars, camera, repellant and appropriate footwear.
👉 Enquiries: Bill King on 9534 9913 or email newbill1338@outlook.com
This group visits the beautiful waterways and bush areas in and around Mandurah to observe what species of birds are in the area. They record the species identified and report their findings to Birdlife Australia.
They have been bringing bird lovers together for over 30 years and normally have outings on the 4th Friday of each month.
This is a great opportunity to learn more about our wonderful bird life and how to identify birds.
There are over 120 species of birds in the Peel Region, and numbers increase during the migratory season.
“A total of 37 bird species were spotted on our September outing to Coolup, including the not often seen Pink Eared Ducks and a Nankeen Kestrel. Other wildlife seen was a snake, a large number of Pink Lady Orchids, some Cowslip Orchids and much other flora with magnificent spring blossom.”
View the Mandurah Bird Observers Group program for 2023 (Subject to change)
Saturday 28th October 2023 · 2.00pm
WA SEABIRD RESCUE – STORIES & TIPS
This free presentation will astound you in every way. Learn what the volunteers are faced with on a regular basis, sadly.
👉 Location: Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Gallery
👉 Find out more: mariemitchellart.com.au/wetland-stories-exhibition
Sunday 29th October 2023 · 9.00am – 10.00am
FRIENDS OF SAMPHIRE COVE NATURE RESERVE
The Friends of Samphire Cove meet on the last Sunday of each month (and usually mid-month as well) to carry out flora and fauna rehabilitation and to tidy up this special waterside A Class reserve on the corner of Wedgetail Retreat and Egret Point Road, Halls Head.
Jobs for October include weeding the newly planted areas, sweeping paths, picking up rubbish and watering.
If you would like to join in, please bring gloves, drinking water, insect repellent, hand sanitiser and your favourite tools/equipment, e.g. weeding tool, leaf rake, watering can.
Note that this is a shorter tidy-up than usual because of the “walk and talk” event below.
Visit the Friends of Samphire Cove on Facebook for all the latest news.
Sunday 29th October 2023 · 10.00am – 11.00am
WALK & TALK AT SAMPHIRE COVE: SIGNIFICANCE OF THE AREA FOR CONSERVATION
The Friends of Samphire Cove invite you to this free guided tour with Nature Conservation Officer Alan Wright from Parks and Wildlife who will lead a one-hour walk & talk along the All Abilities Trail at Samphire Cove Nature Reserve.
Alan will talk about samphire and conservation history and other natural conservation issues from people and rising water levels.
As a Conservation Officer Alan has worked in nature conservation for over 20 years and has tertiary qualifications for conservation.
👉 Everyone welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
👉 Location: Cnr. Wedgetail Retreat & Egret Point, Halls Head 6210
👉 Limited numbers. Bookings essential: Email “walk & talk” to bjsdoongin@gmail.com
Sunday 29th October 2023 · 2.00pm
ARTIST TALK by LISA WRAY
This free presentation will be held at the Estuarine Exhibition in the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Foyer.
👉 Find out more: mariemitchellart.com.au/wetland-stories-exhibition
Sunday 5th November 2023 · 2.00pm
COMMUNITY PRESENTATION – BOUVARD COAST CARE GROUP
Started by a band of thoughtful residents 30 years ago, this volunteer group looks after 17km of dune system from the Dawesville Cut to the southern city border, in conjunction with the City of Mandurah and MEHG. This presentation by Mel Horton tells the story of the challenges faced, their achievements and their importance for the climate change issues of today.
👉 Location: Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Gallery
👉 Find out more: mariemitchellart.com.au/wetland-stories-exhibition
Sunday 12th November 2023 · 2.00pm
SURVEYING BIRDS USING DRONES by BEN ROENNFELDT
This free community presentation features scientist and MEHG Vice-Chair Ben Roennfeldt who will share his experiences of surveying birds using drones, and the information gained and lessons learned.
👉 Location: Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Gallery
👉 Find out more: mariemitchellart.com.au/wetland-stories-exhibition
Sunday 19th November 2023 · 9.00am – 11.00am
CLEAN UP DODDI’S BEACH
Our friends at Coastal Waste Warriors invite you to help clean up this popular beach in Halls Head, 6210. For minimal effort you will make a big impact helping to remove litter and marine debris from our waterways.
Clean-up equipment is supplied, just bring your enthusiasm to make a difference. All ages are welcome!
Find out more: coastalwastewarriors.com.au/get-involved
Now until 30th November 2023
DUSK WATCH
This is a new citizen science program by the Conservation Council of WA and is designed to be flexible to fit in with people’s busy schedules. It doesn’t require much training or experience to take part. Even kids can take part!
👉 When: An hour from sunset anytime from September to November (inclusive), as many times as you like!
👉 Where: A WA location of your choice! You can go for an evening stroll at your local park or nature reserve, or take part whilst sitting around the campfire. You can even take part in your own backyard!
👉 Find out more.
Wednesday 20th December 2023 · 5.00pm – 7.00pm
ENVIRONMENTAL VOLUNTEER WORKSHOP
Calling current volunteers, or those looking to try something new, you are invited to attend the Mandurah Environmental Volunteer Alliance (MEVA) workshops to learn more about operating as a volunteer on City-owned land and take part in some networking.
These free workshops are held every two months and cover:
👉 How environmental volunteering in our community protects and nurtures our local environment
👉 Important information about insurance and procedures while operating on City land
👉 Networking and collaboration
👉 Upskilling and training opportunities
👉 How the City of Mandurah can support you in your operations and capacity building
Location: Tuckey Room, 83 Mandurah Terrace. Find out more.
Fridays & Saturdays · 11.00am – 12.00pm · Spring & Summer
GUIDED HERITAGE WALK OF MANDURAH
Discover the City’s history with a free foreshore heritage walking tour. This leisurely one hour walk starts and finishes at Mandurah Museum.
The Foreshore Heritage Tour provides information on the history of Mandurah’s pioneer settlers and an accurate portrayal of life as it once was. The informative narration showcases the past, the present, Mandurah’s indigenous cultural history, places of interest, pioneer families, their homes and their stories, community art installations and much more.
Bookings are required. Phone (08) 9550 3682.
Find out more.
May to August 2024
FREE WATERWISE VERGE WORKSHOPS
Learn how to successfully transform your verge into a bird-friendly waterwise garden and save water, money and time!
This environmentally-friendly Waterwise Verge Makeover Incentive Program is run by the City of Mandurah for local residents wishing to nurture a waterwise garden on their verge. The plants chosen for waterwise gardens require less water and maintenance, help cool the local area, and are great for supporting other plants and wildlife around the City.
To receive free plants, vouchers, seeds, mulch etc. towards your verge transformation, find out more and book your free place.
PADDLING UP THE RIVER
We will be combining paddling with wildlife observation and learning about riverine habitat in conjunction with Canoe Trail Friends of Mandurah & Pinjarra and Friends of Rivers, Peel.
Suitable for beginners. Free hire of life jackets available (available in various sizes).
Register your interest by emailing info@mehg.org.au
BIRD WATCHING FOR BEGINNERS with ROBYN DEVENISH
Coming soon to a nature reserve near you. Small-group activity.
Binoculars provided courtesy of City of Mandurah community grants.
These tailor-made walks are free of charge, but you are welcome to tip your guide at the end if you enjoyed it.
Register your interest by emailing info@mehg.org.au
MAKE A FAIRY TERN CHICK SHELTER
In conjunction with your local Men’s Shed. Register your interest as a participant or a partner: info@mehg.org.au
Download this PDF for more information about fairy terns.
MORE FREE ACTIVITIES including STUFF FOR KIDS
👉 Free Eco Events between Mandurah & Perth with Switch Your Thinking
👉 More Free Events on the Sustainable Mandurah Facebook page
👉 Visit Nature Link’s Backyard Biodiversity Blitz
👉 Bring Nature Home and Rewild Your Garden
👉 Visit Mandurah Community Gardens on Sat mornings & Tues afternoons
👉 Report a Bat Roost near you.
👉 Learn how to properly Recycle in Mandurah
👉 Adopt a Spot to keep it litter free
👉 Form or join an Embrace A Space group at your local reserve or park
👉 Free Online Training for Volunteers @ Volunteering WA
ON HOLD
The interactive citizen science workshop about the Black Bream Project in the Peel-Harvey Waterways is on hold. In the meantime, here is a condensed version for you, including an eleven-minute video: recfishwest.org.au/news/filling-the-peel-harvey-estuary-to-the-bream-with-the-important-fish-species
ABOUT
This webpage was created upon the receipt of a Restart Mandurah Grant from the City of Mandurah to provide free or very low-cost Covid-safe activities after the lockdown. Our 14-month activity program was entitled (Re)Connect With Nature and Learn Something New.
THANK YOU to our partners and sponsors. MEHG is a member of the Mandurah Environmental Volunteer Alliance which supports many projects in our community and enhances volunteer capacity.
If you would like an invitation to the next bi-monthly MEVA meeting, which are held on Wednesdays at 5pm, please email Giulia.Holland@mandurah.wa.gov.au