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Western Port Woodlands
Lace monitor, Adams Creek Nature Conservation Reserve. Photo: Dave Newman
Sand Supplies sand mine, Grantville, one of 10 sand mines currently operating in the woodlands.
“IF YOU go down to the woodlands today you’re in for a big surprise …”
 
That’s the title of an art prize and exhibition celebrating the Western Port Woodlands.
 
The woodlands exhibition, at the Goods Shed, Wonthaggi, from June 21-23, will raise awareness and funds for the campaign to save the woodlands.
 
Celebrated local artist Ellen Hubble is curating the exhibition. She welcomes works by both established and emerging artists, and works in a variety of mediums, techniques and styles: landscapes, abstracts, still lifes, portraits, wildlife, narrative, expressionist, political, posters and cartoons.
Save Western Port Woodlands is offering $2500 in prize money. All art works will be for sale with 40 per cent commission as the artist’s contribution to the campaign.
 
The title of the exhibition refers to the fact that many in Bass Coast are still unaware of this treasure in our midst.
 
First-time visitors to the woodlands speak of a profound sense of connection and tranquillity. 

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The second surprise is the animals that inhabit this special place. Watching a pair of scarlet robins, meeting a two-metre lace monitor, listening to a sacred kingfisher, sighting a koala, are all possible on a walk in our woodlands.
 
The third surprise? Most of this beautiful woodland corridor is designated as a sand extraction interest area.

Ten sand mines already operate in the woodlands between Lang Lang and Grantville. Nine more mines have been approved and seven more are under application. Development is being expedited for Melbourne’s Big Build.

Currently sand mining takes precedence over conservation of this rare coastal forest and the wishes of local communities. 

But it’s our call, and we’re drawing a line in the sand. This fragile ecosystem is too precious to lose.

Now we’re inviting our artists to lend a hand, one artwork at a time. 
 
Visit the Save Western Port Woodlands website for conditions of entry and the entry form. Email: savewesternportwoodlands@gmail.com for updates on the campaign and events, including woodland walks.
2 Comments

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Julis - 2 years ago
Best of luck with the Art auction. It’s sure to be a huge success. What better cause than to Save Western Port Woodlands?
The donated artworks were beautiful and truly inspired. Much needed funds were raised to help https://www.savewesternportwoodlands.org/ - 2 years ago
The donated artworks were beautiful and truly inspired. The art auction fundraiser was a great success and much needed funds were raised to help https://www.savewesternportwoodlands.org/