TILLIGERRY Habitat turned on a fine day for their open day as part of Naturefest, with something for everyone on the running sheet.

Up first was a special human koala activity for attendees to participate in, creating a giant koala drawing using human bodies in an open field and filmed by a drone.

Mark McDougall, a surveyor from North Point Surveys, drew up the Koala, digitised it on his system and with survey instruments, then came along to the open day to lay out the design with his wife, and make it a reality.

Mark told News Of The Area “I was really excited to see this project become a reality.”

‘It’s been a lot of fun to work on, and to put in place today.”

“I look forward to our next one also, the human whale at Nelson Bay,” he said.

All kinds of delectable treats were on offer, from a barbecue to fairy floss and scones and cream.

Children were invited to time themselves to piece together digital jigsaw puzzles on the computer and learn about koalas from the habitat staff.

Families strolled along the walk ways looking for Koalas, and then came back to have lunch and listen to the Lemon Ukelypts serenade the crowd.

Tilligerry Habitat also gave out a free ‘Koala Food’ sapling to all attendees to encourage them to take it home to plant it.

Jenny Battrick, candidate for Central Ward for the upcoming local council elections, was impressed with the running of the event.

She told News Of The Area, “It was a lot of fun for all ages today, celebrating the local koalas that call the habitat home.”

“It certainly showed us all what a great asset this habitat is in Port Stephens, not to mention it highlighted the hard work of their volunteers.”

Tilligerry Habitat is a wonderful outing for the family, situated at the end of King Albert Avenue in Tanilba Bay.

They are open daily from 9am to 3pm, and entry is free.

 

By Rachael VAUGHAN