Celebrating our oceans

BY MELISSA GRAYSON

Visit Bondi Pavilion on Sunday November 30 for Ocean Care Day, an afternoon dedicated to celebrating the diversity of the Pacific Ocean and learning about our marine life and environment.

This fun, free festival, presented by Waverley Council and the Marine Discovery Centre from 12pm to 4 pm, will include dancing and music by Pacific Islanders, and stalls offering eco-friendly products, information and food. And there will be give-aways.

A variety of ocean-related stalls will be outside the Marine Discovery Centre, including a rock pool aquarium where people can see and touch some of the marine creatures that live along our coast.

The NSW DPI/Fisheries Recreational Fishing info-trailer ‘Bluey’ will be on site so people can learn about ocean life and how to look after it. For the kids, there’ll be entertainment ranging from puppet shows, face painting and craft workshops.

For an in-depth look at the variety of marine life on our doorstep, meet outside the Marine Discovery Centre at 3pm for a tow hour rock pool discovery tour of North Bondi rocks, sponsored by Waverley Council. Sea creatures such as star fish, baby eels, sea urchins and snails are expected to be visible.

The centre provides a photographic view of Bondi’s reefs as well as marine life sheets and a marine Biologist Guide. Those who plan to attend should come prepared with a hat, sunscreen and sunnies. Wear enclosed shoes that can get wet (old runners or reef walkers are ideal; sandals and thongs are not recommended).

Ocean Care Day aims to promote care for our oceans and to inspire visitors to take action that will protect the environment for future generations. Simple actions can make a difference, including recycling, not littering the beaches, using public transport and eating sustainable seafood such as Yellowfin tuna, Hoki, Barramundi, Calamari, Western rock lobster and flathead. Avoid brown tiger prawns, swordfish, southern bluefin tuna and school shark.

The Marine Discovery Centre, a not-for-profit organisation, will open a week before Ocean Care Day. Entry: $10 adults; $5 child/concession.  

For information call the Pavilion on 8362 3400 or visit www.marinediscovery.org.au