Over 700 students from Dunsborough Primary School descended on Geographe Bay for the annual Bay OK Day. Excited students started the day walking from school to the Old Dunsborough boat ramp to take part in environmental-themed educational activities. They were engaged in 28 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 11th year, Bay OK Day is organized by Dunsborough Primary School. It teaches students about the importance of Geographe Bay to our community and gives them the skills and knowledge to look after our natural environment. Over this time, more than 7700 students have participated in the program.
Introductions to the day and the acknowledgment of country were delivered by cultural ambassadors Daisy, Archie, and Joel. “At Dunnbay, we are close to a fish trap made by the First Nations people a long time ago. Squid, whiting, and cobbler are plentiful in the bay during Kambarang. Today we have a chance to learn how to care for country,” said Daisy, Archie and Joel.
Mayor Phill Cronin was in attendance and was delighted to see the excitement and engagement of the students. “These children are the future custodians of Geographe Bay. Having access to all the different environmental education activities today is inspiring them to look after one of our most precious assets,” said Phill.
Bay OK Day is made possible with the generous time given by a host of organisations. Activities included GeoCatch staff looking at sea life up close using microscopes and a 3-dimensional model of the catchment that simulates pollution and runoff into our river systems. Crowd favourites Captain Coast Care and Dune Dude entertained the students all day with their antics and environmental messages, and Mermaid Nixie made a surprise appearance from beneath the seas to the delight of the crowd.
Other presenters included FAWNA, the South West Wildflower Society, South West NRM, Department of Transport, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Meelup Regional Park Council, Smith Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Dunsborough Coast and Land Care, FishAbility, Busselton Jetty and Underwater Observatory, Capes Bird Group, Single Leaf, Tangaroa Blue, and Department of Primary industries and Regional Development- Fisheries.
Projects are delivered by GeoCatch, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program, in partnership with South West NRM and state government-funded Healthy Estuaries WA and Revitalising Geographe Waterways programs. These State Government initiatives aim to support the long-term health of our south-west waterways.
