Family Frog Night
Family Frog Night
Metamorphosis of a Family Frog Night
Capacity to Deliver -
LP010-010
The issue
The Malpas Catchment Group identified engaging young people and First Nations as a priority for future projects that focus on increasing community awareness about land management practices that impact on catchment health.
The solution
From an egg of an idea as a casual “Pub Night” a metamorphic creative process emerged as a “Family Frog Night”. Emily Hotham from the Australian Museum was searching for her “handsome princes”, the endangered frog species of Peppered Tree Frog, Booroolong Frog, Tusked Frog and Yellow-Spotted Bell Frog.
Banbai Elder Lesley Patterson whose effervescent love of country had stories to share of the work of the Banbai Nation at Wattleridge Indigenous Protected Area, the creation of the Banbai Fire and Seasons Calender, Dreamtime stories from long ago and the discovery of a rare frog.
Together, a magical night was woven for families in Guyra that connected them to Culture, Country and the Magic of Frogs. No frogs were kissed on this evening.
The impact
Children and families were reconnected to Southern New England Landcare, the role of the Malpas Catchment Coordinator and the importance of Biodiversity.
Banbai Nation Elder Lesley, held the audience captive with the Banbai Fire and Seasons Calendar. Taking the children on a journey of discovery of not only rare frogs but many of the other important plants and animals in the local environment.
Emily Hotham shared incredible facts about Frogs species in Australia and how frogs are important bio indicators of aquatic ecosystem health.
Families participated in a quiz and lucky door prizes. At the end of the evening, families went across to the Mother of Ducks Lagoon to spot light for frogs and use the FrogID app developed by the Australian Museum.
Many of the children left the night eager to find the Yellow-Spotted Bell Frog whose motorbike revving call resonated with the young boys of the night!
Learnings
The topic worked well with children, adults and families.
The ability to connect with the Australian Museum in our rural setting worked well.
Banbai welcome to country and story telling was a real hit with participants.
Key facts
- Four critically endangered frogs call the New England Tablelands home.
- The night attracted many young families into the local 'Landcare' community, eager to learn more about their local environment.
- The Banbai community illustrated their knowledge of cultural burning supporting biodiversity.
- Audience members became super curious about cool burns that travel down-hill!