School holiday mask workshops for kids

Kids … Do you want to be in the Carnival Parade on the long weekend May 31, dressed up as your favourite native animal, bird or plant?

Join in one of these workshops and create your own bush animal mask, along with a parent, siblings and friends, guided by Parade artists Margot Edwards, Caralynn Hoft and Ellie Woods.

Parents – Pick one workshop and sign up with kids $5/person (you get to make one too):

Margot said participants could decide which native animal, bird or plant is most important to them.

“Bring along some pictures you’ve found and we’ll help make your mask,” she explained.

“You can finish your costume at home after and then you’ll be ready to be your best animal character for the Parade on the May long weekend, with your family and neighbours and friends as animals all around you.”

As Margot explained, the parade and associated activities would be an opportunity to celebrate the incoming rainy season.

“The rains are as vital to our native animals and plants, as they are to us.

“Wadandi custodian Zac Webb has given permission for us to offer a way to gain a simple understanding of the indigenous practice of reciprocity – giving to and receiving from Nature.

“We are all so lucky to live and work, go to school and play, on this beautiful Wadandi boodja.

Through imagining ourselves into the characters of our favourite living animals and plants here, we will never forget them. Then it’s only natural to become a carers or custodians of your favourite living creature or plant, and ensure you think and act for the best care.

“You can then choose to continue a life-long relationship as custodian, knowing you’ll always try do the right thing by it and take opportunities to help it thrive in many small or larger ways.”

Be like the Wadandi and their Nyoongar kin, always on the look out for their special species – be it karri tree, koolbardi (magpie), perhaps a yonga (kangaroo) or any other creature and plant that you resonate with.