Holiday program heads underwater for inspiration

THE magic of Ewens Ponds is coming to the Port MacDonnell Community Complex these July school holidays with a program of activities themed around one of the district’s most remarkable natural environments.

The Kids Corner of the Community Complex will be transformed into a hub of creativity and learning with the ‘Ewens Ponds Encounters’ program, featuring daily craft activities, three special workshops, and creative learning resources that highlight the biodiversity of Ewens Ponds.

Southern Limestone Coast Council, formerly the District Council of Grant, liaised with Conservation Ecologist Claire Harding from the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) to develop a sheet of fun facts about four creatures who call the Ponds home: the Ewens Ponds Pygmy Perch, the Short Finned Eel, the Eastern Long-necked Turtle, and the Glenelg Spiny Crayfish.

Local artist Bianca Richardson brought the creatures to life in a series of original illustrations, which feature on two colouring-in sheets aimed at different ages.

Finished colouring-in sheets will be added to the mural of Ewens Ponds in the Kids Corner, filling the underwater landscape with life and colour.

Bianca Richardson said working with the Community Complex on the project had been very enjoyable, especially the blend of art and science.

“I am looking forward to seeing how children – and grown-ups too – can take what they’ve learnt and add their own creativity and skills to the project,” Mrs Richardson said.

An official launch for the program will take place at the Community Complex on Tuesday, July 7, at 2pm, with Ranger Leah Williams from DEW presenting on the unique ecology of Ewens Ponds and Bianca Richardson opening the colouring-in competition.

Southern Limestone Coast Council chief executive officer Gary Button said the program was a great example of local collaboration and celebrating the wonders close to home.

“By combining art with environmental learning, ‘Ewens Ponds Encounters’ encourages children to see local places in new ways and build pride in the natural assets that make our district special,” Mr Button said.

“Council is proud to own and operate the Community Complex at Port MacDonnell, which continues to deliver fantastic opportunities for learning and connection to our community.”

Fact sheets and colouring-in sheets will be available from Monday, July 6, and families are encouraged to contact the Port MacDonnell Community Complex on (08) 8738 3000 for program details and booking information.