2018 Wattle Day events around Australia
National Wattle Day events around Australia
in the Week of the Wattle
(Sat 25 August to Sunday 3 September 2018)
There is no one way to celebrate National Wattle Day - there are many - as you will see from the list of activities such as wattle walks, wattle festivals, wattle parades and wattle history exhibitions on this page. Create your own. As the 1 September falls on a Saturday this year there is every opportunity to:
- WEAR a sprig of wattle or Australia's national colours of green and gold
- GREET each other with 'Happy Wattle Day'
- Go for a walk to enjoy wattles in flower around your suburb or nearby bush
- ORGANISE a picnic, lunch, morning/afternoon tea, BBQ or dinner for your family & friends
This year drought relief for our farmers and their animals is very much on everyone's minds and Wattle Day has a great tradition of raising funds for community causes across Australia. It is a great opportunity to unite the country to help support Australian farmers during this terrible drought.
Why not sell sprigs of wattle to fund drought relief for our farmers?
Where do you get fresh wattle sprigs you ask? From places where you have permission is the answer.
Please don't destroy flowering wattles in public areas and on private land for this purpose - it is against the law.
Also make sure you have permission if you set up a stall or sell in public places.
Since at least 1916, Wattle Day has been used as an opportunity to raise awareness and funds through the sale of fresh wattle sprigs and wattle badges for good Australian community causes... from buying ambulances for the Western Front and raising funds for injured soldiers, and womens' and childrens' charities and hospital wings (SA) during World War One, and for a tuberculosis sanatorium (Tas), to World War Two. More recently wattle badges have been sold to raise money for worthy charities such as the Australian Red Cross, Open Minds (Qld) and the ACT Rural Fire Service and the Rural Fire Brigades (NSW).
More wattle day history can be found on our webpage:
and here is some info. about the fund raising that we have done in the past for the rural fire brigades:
ACT
Canberra
Saturday 25 August
Calthorpes' House Walk: A home among the wattle trees
Join Michael Mulvaney, Senior Environment Planner at ACT Parks, as he leads a tour of the lower slope of Red Hill to Canberra’s iconic wattle – a true favourite of the Calthorpe family’s youngest daughter Dawn.
Photo: Courtesy of VisitCanberra
Then take a tour of the house to discover the story of the Calthorpe family including their interests, work, leisure and how their lifestyle was connected closely to the bushland of Red Hill and warm up with a cup of tea.Dawn Waterhouse will be displaying some of her wattle collection at Calthorpe's for your enjoyment too.
Please wear long pants and sturdy closed-toe shoes.
$10 (Members and eligible concession card holders $5)
Bookings by Thursday 23 August
Click here to register
Australian National Arboretum
Saturday 1 September - National Wattle Day
Wattle Wonder Walks at STEP
11 am and 2 pm departing the Village Centre
Join Dr Suzette Searle, an expert in the uses of Australian acacias, for an hour-long wander to enjoy and talk about the wattles in flower in the Southern Tablelands Environmental Park (STEP) and the many uses of wattles in Australia and overseas.
Albert Hall on Commonwealth Avenue
Tuesday 4 September
10 am and 1.30 pm
ACT Government Citizenship Ceremonies with a Wattle Welcome to Australia's new citizens
Guest speaker: Mr Terry Fewtrell - President of the Wattle Day Association Inc.
Further information will be posted here
Australian National Botanic Gardens
Julie Ryder ‘Nature as muse: the interaction between art and botany'
Thursday, 30 August 2018 - 12:30pm
Julie will talk on the profound influences botany has had on her work; her residencies within Canberra's cultural institutions, such as the ANBG, CSIRO and the NMA, and their artistic outcomes. Julie uses natural dyeing, mordant printing, screen-printing and embroidery as a language on cloth to tell narratives about place and people. Arts residencies have enabled her to research and develop exhibitions that use textiles and other media to deliver unconventional insights into historical and contemporary issues.
Julie made beautiful wattle-dyed silk scarves with wattle designs for the centenary of Wattle Day in 2010
Thursday Talks at the ANBG theatrette (opposite the Visitors Centre)
'The Genus Acacia at Home and Abroad'
Thursday 6 September 12.30 pm
Dr Richard Groves
On this week's anniversary of the 108th Wattle Day, formerly from CSIRO Plant Industry, Richard, will briefly summarise the biological significance of the genus Acacia in Australia - it is the most species-rich of any Australian genus. Web link here
NSW
Hunters Hill (Sydney) 13th Annual Wattle Day Luncheon
Special Guest: Gregory Blaxell 'The importance of local history'
When: Friday 31 August 2018
Time: 12.30 pm for 12.45 pm
Dress code: Collar and jackets for men; anything goes for women
Venue: Mallory's Room, Le Village Restaurant, 37B Alexandra St. Hunters Hill Sydney 2110
Cost: $95/person for a three courses of fully-French fare including wine and bubbly
RSVP: by 5 pm Wed 29 Aug. to Peter Consandine, National Secretary Wattle Day Events
Email: wattledayevents@the republicans.com.au Mobile: (0408) 408 148
Castle Hill (Sydney) Wattle Walk
Saturday, 1 September 2018 1:30 - 3:30 pm
"This is the day we celebrate our national floral emblem, the wattle. Acacias occur in every part of Australia.
On this walk we will see some of the species which are native to The Hills District.
Distance: 3km
Grade: Easy
These FREE walks are suitable for all ages.
They require participants to be able to walk for two hours and negotiate uneven bush tracks.
There are usually no toilet facilities on the walks.
Bookings Essential for all walks.
Meeting - The exact meeting place will be advised at the time of booking.
What to Wear - Wear comfortable shoes, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. For night time walks wear warm clothes and mosquito repellent.
What to Bring - Bring a drink. For night time walks bring a torch and for bird watching walks bring binoculars. Always bring your camera.
Location
Fred Caterson Reserve, Exact meeting place will be advised at the time of booking, Castle Hill 2154 View Map
Neutral Bay (Sydney)
Saturday, 1 September 2018 5.00 - 7:30 pm
Wattle Day at Nutcote- Home of May Gibbs
Sunset Cocktails at Nutcote
This event celebrates the first day of Spring, raises a glass to the arrival of the Wattle and will raise funds for new tearoom furniture for Nutcote.
In doing so we honour May Gibbs’ love of Australia’s bush heritage with Australian botanical cocktails, bush tucker canapes and music which harkens back to the time when Nutcote was built.
The Cocktails have been created by Vantage Australia’s Cocktail Ambassador using their in- fused botanical spirits especially to raise a glass to May Gibbs, the glory that is Nutcote at sunset and the first day of Spring.
Learn how to make a vampish 1920’s evening headpiece inspired by the 1920’s origin of May Gibbs’ Nutcote.
The evening will also feature millinery created by students of the Costume Course of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). . Read more about this fabulous spring millinery event
Please note that this is an event for guests over the age of 18 and that evenings on the edge of Sydney Harbour can be cool when the sun goes down.
Tickets: $55 per person
To buy: http://nutcote.vendecommerce.com
Contact: admin@maygibbs.com.au
Directions: See Website
For more: Click Here
Cessnock
1-20 September
'Wonderful Wattle' history exhibition
at the Cessnock Library Foyer
65/67 Vincent St, Cessnock NSW 2325
Contact:
Kimberly O’Sullivan | Local Studies Librarian
65-67 Vincent Street, Cessnock, NSW 2325 |
P: 4993 4383
Cootamundra
Cootamundra Wattle Time Fair and Parade
Location:Fisher Park, 68-70 Murray Street, Cootamundra NSW 2590
Open: 25 Aug 2018 - 9 am - 4 pm (STREET PARADE 12NOON)
Categories: Annual Special Event, Community, Food, Garden, Handmade, Leisure & Lifestyle, Market Stalls, Music
Phone:
Email: cdcinfo@cootamundra.com
Lithgow
Special Wattle Day morning tea at Lithgow Library
11.00 am Thursday 30 August
Tidy Towns, in conjunction with Lithgow and District Community Nursery and Lithgow and Oberon Landcare Association, have organised for a special Wattle Day morning tea at Lithgow Library on the morning of Thursday, August 30.
To herald the approach of spring, Lithgow and District Community Nursery, with involvement from Lithgow and Oberon Landcare Association, Lithgow Tidy Towns and Lithgow Library are celebrating Wattle Day with a special morning tea and talks on Thursday 30 August 2018 from 11.00am.
Speakers at the morning tea will be Huw Evans – Senior Land Services Officer with Central Tablelands Local Land Services and Helen Drewe, one of the authors of Native Plants of Hassans Walls, a book that highlights the diversity of our local native plants including wattles. The ukulele group has been learning wattle songs and members of the Community Nursery will be available for questions. Morning tea will start at 11am and be followed by the talks.
For more information click here
Lithgow - Hassans Walls National Wattle Day Walk
When: 1st Sep 2018 10:00am-12:00pm
Where: Meet at Hassans Walls Lookout
Details: With more than 1,000 Acacia species, Australia has the most diverse array of wattles in any country.
Almost 30 species of wattle have been recorded in the bushland around Lithgow alone!
Almost 30 species of wattle have been recorded in the bushland around Lithgow alone!
Tomerong
Wattle Day Spring celebration & fundraiser
for the Rural Fire Service and the Drought Fund for Local Farmers
"On September 1st wish somebody Happy Wattle Day and join us at the Hall from 5pm for some music & fun"
Time: 5pm - 10 pm
Venue: Tomerong Hall 358 Hawken Road Tomerong NSW
Music (open Mic.), dancing poetry
Prizes for the best wattle art, poetry and costume
For more information, click here and RSVP contact John Levett1810@gmail.com
Young
Since 2012 Weddin Landcare has invited the local community to celebrate our National Floral Emblem.
Don't miss out on Bus trips to Glenfell (Thurs 30 Aug.) or Crowther (Sat 1 Sept) that will take you to see at least 20 different wattle species
Morning tea and lunch will be provided at a cost of $10 per person. Bookings are essential. For more information and to book your seat on the bus, please contact Mikla Lewis on 0499 199 016 or email young@lachlandcare.org.au
Thursday 30 August and Saturday 1 September
The first bus trip is on Thursday 30th August from 9 am to 3 pm, meeting at Loader’s Coaches on the corner of Brundah St and Manganese Rd.
Free wattle tubestock and wattle resources will be available and participants are invited to bring along wattle specimens for identification.
The second is the Wattle Day Bus Trip on Saturday 1st September from 9am to 3pm, to Clover Leigh Golf Club at Crowther.
The bushland at the Golf Club is home to many wattles and other beautiful native plants. Bird life is prolific and Squirrel Glider nest boxes have been installed in a number of trees.
Queensland
Mt Morgan
8.30 am Saturday 1 September
Mount Morgan Wattle Day and Village Markets
Mount Morgan Rail Complex, 1 Railway Pde, Mount Morgan.
Market stalls, children's amusement rides, face painting, Live performances by talented local artists, Performances by local childcare group Red Frog, food vendors, information displays and demonstrations, Wattle Day Award.
For more information, contact MMPAD on 4938 2312.
Tasmania
Hobart
a fact book about bees, by children, for children.'
For more info: see Wattle Day - Tasmania's Facebook
and the article in the Genorchy Gazette
Victoria
Melbourne
Hurstbridge Wattle Festival
Sunday 26 August 2018
"The Hurstbridge Wattle Festival, is a significant cultural event for Melbournians that has its roots firmly planted in our early rail history.
It’s a joyous celebration of our heritage, environment and community. Festival goers view the wattles in a blaze of glory along the Diamond Creek as they approach the township of Hurstbridge. As visitors stroll the main street and the various Festival precincts, they enjoy a fabulous and extensive array of entertainment, events and activities for all the family, many of them free."
For more info: See http://wattlefestival.org.au/
It’s a joyous celebration of our heritage, environment and community. Festival goers view the wattles in a blaze of glory along the Diamond Creek as they approach the township of Hurstbridge. As visitors stroll the main street and the various Festival precincts, they enjoy a fabulous and extensive array of entertainment, events and activities for all the family, many of them free."
For more info: See http://wattlefestival.org.au/
Wattle Day 2018 at Ferntree Gully Community Planting in Knox
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Saturday 1 September 2018
Join us on the first day of Spring for a planting activity to celebrate National Wattle Day.
Connect with nature, learn about some of the local Wattle species, enjoy a guided nature walk and discover how
Knox City Council is improving water quality and protecting our local waterways.
Location: Fairpark Reserve Cnr Scoresby Rd and Manuka Dr Ferntree Gully VIC 3156
Lawrence Grove
Wattle Day dances with the Victorian Folk Music Club Inc and TSDAV's Norm Ellis
Saturday 1 September 2018
~ celebrate in conjunction with the VFMC's regular 1st Sat. Bush Dance ~
2 different Dance Workshops in the afternoon, ( 1:30-3:00 pm & 3:30-5:30 pm )
and a Family Bush Dance in the evening playing a special ‘Australiana’ dance program.
with Blackberry Jam Bush Band ~ 7:30 - 11 pm
Ringwood East Senior Citizens Hall Laurence Grove, Melway 50 B8
Colac
Friends of Colac Botanic Gardens - Wattle Day
Guided walk to enjoy and learn more about acacias
When
- Saturday, 1 September 2018 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location
Colac Botanic Gardens, Fyans Street, Colac 3250 View Map
Saturday, 01 September 2018 | 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
National Wattle Day Celebration at Kurrawonga Nelson
Participate in coastal wattle control, listen to indigenous wattle stories, learn about different wattle species and taste some wattle treats at this years Wattle Day Celebration
Where: Kurrawonga, 165 North Nelson Road, 3292 Nelson
RSVP: nicole.mojonnier@ngt.org.au or 0414778309
Bayside Community Nursery September Gala Day
What: Visit the nursery at Cheltenham to peruse the range of indigenous species, talk with the volunteers and staff, taste a free snag and help celebrate the nursery's 40th birthday
Where: 315-317 Reserve Road, Cheltenham Victoria 3192
When: Saturday 1 September 2018 9 am - 2 pm
For further information click here
Wattle Day at Yarran Dheran Nature Reserve, Mitcham
What: Celebrate Wattles in this informative session led by Mart Hagel and then join a guided walk around Yarran Dheran in Mitcham to identify some of our wattles.
Where: Yarran Dheran Nature Reserve, 1 Ashburton Drive, Mitcham, Victoria
When: Saturday 1 September 2018, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
For further information and RSVP click here.
Geocaching: Wattle Day 2018 - Melbourne
What: Visit the nursery in Cheltenham to peruse the range of indigenous species, talk with the volunteers and staff, taste a free snag and help celebrate the nursery's 40th birthday year.
Where: 315–317 Reserve Road, Cheltenham VIC 3192
When: Saturday 1 September 2018, 9 am - 2pm
For further information click here.
Geocaching: Wattle Day 2018 - Melbourne
What: Join in for a casual 'meet & greet' event at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne to celebrate Wattle Day.
Where: The Terrace Cafe, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne (indoor if weather is poor, else outdoor. Ask for Wattle Day event)
When: Saturday 1 September 2018, 9.45 am to 11.15 am
For further information and RSVP click here.
Australian Republic Movement Wattle Day BBQs
What: Join fellow republic supporters to celebrate Wattle Day and the beginning of Spring!
Where and when: Two events: (1) Reservoir - Edwardes Lake Park, Griffith Street, Sat. 1 September 2018 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm and (2) Williamstown - Hatt Reserve, Esplanade, Sat. 1 September 2018 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
For further information and RSVP click here and here.
Western Australia
Perth
BBQ - Saturday 1 September
PHOTO: Wattles, by Rahul Seth
The theme of the BBQ is Green and Gold, to support Australia becoming a Republic and to celebrate Australia's rich multicultural heritage. Since 1992, National Wattle Day has been 1 September in all of Australia's States and Territories.
Food and drinks provided, just bring yourselves!
12:00pm | Guests arrive
12:15pm | Noongar Welcome to Country (Elder TBC)
12:30pm | Lunch served, and Jesse J Fleay's welcome address
12:40 | Eat, chat, enjoy Fleay hospitality
3.00pm | Thank you and wrap up
Address given on RSVP, closer to the event. RSVP to j.fleay@ecu.edu.au
Parking available at Wenlock Park or Everglades Park, in Brabham.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet
Edith Cowan University
Albany
Sunday 2 September
Green Skills in Albany, WA, is holding wattle busy bees in our area to remove invasive wattle and allow local wattles to thrive in our bushland.
Sunday September 2nd
Billaboya Reserve, Albany WA 1.30-4pm
Woody weed identification session followed by some weedy wattle removal, afternoon tea provided!
RSVP to Rosie Smith on 0401 578 002
weedywattlecoordinator@greenskills.org.au
Dalwallinu
24th Annual Wattle Week 1-8 September 2018
Australia All Over
Saturday 1 September
Save the Date - Wattle Day 2018
To celebrate Wattle Day, and the beginning of Spring, republic supporters around the country will be gathering to promote the campaign! Whether it's a BBQ or meeting in the pub, RSVP below if you're able to attend or host your own event and we'll get back to you with the details.
To register click here