By Greg Johnson

COMMUNITY enthusiasm for protecting Warn Marin (Western Port) out-lasted heavy rain last Saturday when grownups joined kids on holiday in a colourful procession at Berninneit.

Creative costumes devised from recycled material by community artist Camille Monet suggested the rich marine life of the bay and celebrated the epic return of thousands of migrating birds to their summer wetland feeding grounds.  

The procession moved to the beat of drums, music and song. With Hoa Nguyen’s gallery exhibition celebrating Bass Coast’s ecosystems, both the parade and artwork messaged the urgent need to protect the biodiversity of Western Port.

Paraded signs called for legislative action from the government.

Boonwurrung/Bunurong Custodian Aunty Melissa McDevitt-Weston welcomed the gathering to Country and later led a Deep Listening Circle with all present speaking about their connection with nature.

Phillip Island Conservation Society thanks Bass Coast Council for this successful community partnership event – the Living Earth Gathering.

Greg Johnson is president of Phillip Island Conservation Society.