Biggest day on the Angair calendar returns for 54th year

THOUSANDS of residents and visitors are expected to attend the 54th annual Angair Wildflower and Arts Weekend on September 21 and September 22.

It will be David Walmsley’s first show as the event’s co-ordinator, following several years of leadership by former Angair president Sally White.

While it had been busy getting the show at Anglesea Memorial Hall together, Mr Walmsley said he was honoured to be responsible for one of Anglesea’s longest-running annual events.

“[It’s] exciting and daunting at the same time. There’s a lot involved but it draws out all the members of Angair and it’s always a team effort.

“We have lots of general members and those who specialise in different areas of conservation, but we expect everyone to be out in force helping out and then some extra volunteers as well making it all possible.”

The second edition of the Surf Coast flora publication The Flowers of Anglesea and Aireys Inlet will be launched at the Angair Wildflower and Arts Weekend.

 

Angair members and editors Margaret MacDonald and Gail Slykhuis have spent the past few months making sure the new book contains all the changes advised by taxonomists regarding flower classifications since the book’s first publication in 2009.

The wildflower show will follow its standard display format when showing attendees which environmental weeds continue to threaten the Surf Coast’s bush and heathlands.

Mr Walmsley said attendees would also be able to go on two specially designed hands-on walks to learn weed identification and removal techniques.

“It’s always a great way to be introduced to the attractions of the Surf Coast’s environments.

“You’ve got the whole collection of indigenous plants, and flora and fauna specimens there on the weekend.

“There’s something for everyone who wants an understanding of the local environment, so if anyone’s keen for that, it’s a great way to do it over one or both days.”

Local environmental organisations and authorities will be on hand to answer community questions, indigenous plants will be for sale, and there will be plenty of children’s activities.

Admission to the Angair Wildflower and Arts Weekend is $5 for adults, $2 for students and pensioners, and free for children.

All proceeds will go directly towards Angair’s conservation efforts.

The event runs from 10am to 4pm on both days.