Birds and the Brush
Different types of opportunities for connection and capacity building
Capacity building - LEP23_035_MLLG-06
The issue
The Superb Parrot is a much loved regular visitor to our region and we have been working with the Saving or Species team since 2017 via on-ground actions like individually guarded scattered paddock trees, fencing off old remnant trees from stock, awareness raising events and capacity building events.
We wanted to create an event that might attract some different people who hadn't taken part in our many other activities as well as provide something new and fun for long term participants to get involved in.
The solution
On a very hot March afternoon we came together to honour the Superb Parrot and have a go at tissue paper painting at beautiful ‘Riverslea’ Darby’s Falls.
We had our Superb Parrot model sitting in the middle of the table for inspiration and plenty of Superb Parrot photo’s to guide our efforts. Beginners and experienced artists turned up to create thanks to the efforts of Trudi Refshauge who designed and planned the afternoon activities.
It is so wonderful to have Superb Parrots in this region and it was delightful to spend time sharing bird stories and creating this art. We were encouraged to let go of our judgement of ourselves and just have a go.
The impact
This event booked out in less than a week which indicates the interest from the general community in this type of event. The participants have gone home with new skills. Some had never been involved in creating art before and they enjoyed it as much as those very experienced participants. Everyone made new friends and hearing many of the conversations whilst we created indicted that there was so much learning about the Superb Parrot and local birds in general as people shared stories and knowledge with each other.