Coastal program praised

CREATIVE: Jorja and Lilly with their creation Sophie the octopus at the sand sculpture event in Port MacDonnell.
EXPLORING: Children making discoveries on the fossil safari.

LOCALS and visitors flocked to the coast to enjoy Natural Resources South East’s Coastal Connections program earlier this summer.

Over 1000 people attended an array of activities from night walks and snorkelling to fishing and guided bird walks.

Among the group was Sandy Moore and her grandchildren, who have been enjoying the program for years.

“We’ve thoroughly enjoyed all that we have been able to attend,” she said.

“It is so beneficial that visitors to our area learn to appreciate the privilege of sharing our fauna, flora and local beaches.”

With a total of 58 activities on offer along the coast, including rockpool rambles, fossil safaris, “creatures of the night” and bush tucker tours, Ms Moore said it has been an educational experience.

“We’ve learnt so much about our local environment that we would not have known had it not been for the experiences we have had at Coastal Connections,” she said.

“I hope it continues for years to come.”

Designed to be fun and informative, Natural Resources South East senior coast and marine officer Tania Rajic said the aim was for people to further connect with the coastline.

“We hope everyone leaves feeling more connected to and inspired to protect our coast,” she said.

“While funding has now concluded, we are hopeful that the program will continue in some form next summer.”

CREATIVE: Jorja and Lilly with their creation Sophie the octopus at the sand sculpture event in Port MacDonnell.