Over 80 students from St Kilian's primary school Bendigo recently visited Gunbower Forest as part of their science education program.  The excursion provided the students an opportunity to see first hand Gunbower Forest and its wetlands building on what they had been studying in the classroom.

The day was hosted by the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) with assistance from Jenny Spence, Department of Primary Industries and local residents Di Peace and Denise Morrison.

Melanie Tranter, North Central CMA Gunbower Forest Project Manager was thrilled with the student’s enthusiasm “It was fantastic that St Kilian’s primary school and its students chose Gunbower Forest as the destination for their excursion rather than spending money to visit attractions outside our region.

“A lot of the children and parents who attended were talking about coming back again to camp or participate in the Cohuna Bridge to Bridge sporting event early next year.  Participation in local community events and interest in Gunbower Forest provides a boost to the community.”

The students’ study of Gunbower Forest was prompted by the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Storylines DVD of personal stories of Gunbower Forest, which was launched earlier in the year. "The DVD was a great tool for the students to help them learn about the different ways humans interact with the environment," said St Kilian’s school teacher, Chris Alderton.

The students visited the regulator at Little Gunbower Creek and learned how water gets released into the forest, planted trees on the cleared land at the regulator, searched Black Swamp for places where animals live and the type of animals that can be found there, tested water and went on a bug hunt.

"Visiting Gunbower Forest was heaps better than going to the zoo or the aquarium.  It was the funnest (sic) excursion I have ever been on," said Kirra, an excited Grade 2 student.

Melanie Tranter recognises that Gunbower Forest attracts many tourists each year and is encouraged that primary schools such as St Kilian's Bendigo are learning to appreciate the importance of the internationally significant wetlands within Gunbower Forest.

Works being undertaken by the North Central CMA in Gunbower Forest are part of The Living Murray project. The North Central CMA oversees the use of environmental water to improve the region’s rivers and wetlands.  For further information on the Gunbower Forest project, visit the website at www.nccma.vic.gov.au or phone 03 5448 7124.


For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au