The committee would like to thank all those who assisted with the Wildflower and Art Weekend.It takes a small army to plan, promote, set up, run and then dismantle. We are indebted to many Angair members and Friends of Angair who assisted and participated. The Bendigo Community Bank was our major sponsor supporting the Art Show with prizes. The Surf Coast Shire also provided much support including buses for wildflower tours.
The flower displays were spectacular and as diverse as usual which is quite amazing given the consistent wet and cold weather leading up to the show. The orchid displays were outstanding. Weather for the show was mixed. Despite dire warnings, Saturday was a beautiful day and the extreme winds waited till Saturday night. Sunday saw us scurrying for cover a few times in the afternoon.
Children had lots of educational and entertainment opportunities including bag painting and spider hat making. Live scorpions and spiders enthralled both children and adults. Anglesea Primary School children’s art was also on display.
Digital displays of local content helped create an enticing atmosphere for static wildflower and wildlife displays. New Anglesea heath banners donated by Alcoa also added to the spectacular visual impact.
Our sincere thanks also extend to other environmental groups and agencies who add great value to the show. It is the most important educational event that Angair undertakes each year. Environmental groups and agencies with displays included Friends of Eastern Otways, Australian Native Orchid Society, Birdlife Australia, Country Fire Authority, Great Ocean Road Coastal Committee, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Anglesea Futures, Geelong Field Naturalists Club, Parks Vic, Friends of Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary, Friends of Point Addis, Ecologic, and the Geelong Environment Council.
The wildflower bus tour walks are a much sought after component of the weekend. Self-guided walks were also set up for more independent explorations.
The show also provides an opportunity for the Anglesea Primary School to raise funds through catering.
It was the first year our new propagation facility has been operating at its location within the Community Precinct and this made the task of handling stock for sale a lot easier. Nick Day from Otways Indigenous Nursery, and Angair, provided lots of plant options to improve indigenous gardens with a wide range of plants on sale.
Thanks again to everyone who made it such a great day.
Peter Forster