Over 700 students from Dunsborough Primary School descended on Geographe Bay for the 2024 Bay OK Day. Excited students gathered on the lawn at the Old Dunsborough boat ramp to take part in environmental-themed educational activities. They were engaged in 27 different activities presented by environmental groups and agencies to help students better understand the importance of looking after Geographe Bay and the surrounding environment.
Now in its 12th year, Bay OK Day is organised by Dunsborough Primary School. It teaches students about the importance of Geographe Bay and gives them the skills and knowledge to look after our natural environment. Over this time, it is estimated that over 8,400 students have participated in the program.
Dunsborough Primary School Principal Taylor Webb welcomed students, parents and helpers to the foreshore, reflecting on the importance of environmental education. “It is such a great day, getting all the children and different environmental groups together to learn about how we can look after Geographe Bay and our local environment. The students learn so much about the importance of looking after the bay and really do enjoy the activities”, said Taylor.
Bay OK Day is made possible with the generous time given by a host of organisations. Highlights included looking at sea life up close using microscopes, exploring GeoCatch’s 3-dimensional model of the catchment that simulates pollution and runoff into our river systems, and a marine safety demonstration by the Department of Transport that included a live flair demonstration. Crowd favourite Mermaid Nixie even made a surprise appearance from beneath the sea to the delight of the crowd.
GeoCatch project Officer Olivia Tunney shared her experience in waterways management, running the activity “What Belongs in The Bay”. Olivia was encouraged that the Year 2 students were able to identify pollution sources and threats to Geographe Bay. “The activity was a relay with teams of students racing to categorise different items based on whether they belong in the bay or not. On reflection with the students, they were able to identify that we have a range of different things that can impact our natural environment if they enter the waterways,” said Olivia.
Other presenters included FAWNA, the South West Wildflower Society, Meelup Regional Park Council, Smith Beach Surf Life Saving Club, FishAbility, Busselton Jetty and Underwater Observatory, Cape to Cape Bird Group, Tangaroa Blue and Keep Australia Beautiful, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development – Fisheries, Storytime with Penny, Geo Bay Wildlife Group, Marine art with Pip, City of Busselton, Water Corporation, Bunnings, Geographe Marine Research, Crystal Hamilton Sound Healing, Captain Coast Care and Dune Dude.
