THERE will be something for everyone at the very first Bega River Day on Sunday, May 24, to celebrate all the hard work that’s been done to restore and enhance the town’s connection to the river.
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Bega River and Wetlands Landcare (BRAWL) is inviting the public to ride, walk, run, skip, roll or skate the extended network of pathways recently completed from the Bega Bridge through to the Tarraganda bridge.
The five kilometres of river track extends from the Bega Cheese factory to Tarraganda Lane.
BRAWL community coordinator Vickie Goldsmith suggested people who live in town consider walking or riding to the river to reduce traffic congestion.
"People should think about how much activity they want to do, so plan your day to decide how far you want to go," she said.
Noted botanist Jackie Miles will be conducting two guided tours of Spenco Lagoon, one of Bega’s best kept secrets.
The tours will provide a fascinating insight into the extent of weed removal and planting that’s been required to achieve the level of restoration to date, as well as identify the challenges that remain.
The history of the connection between the river and Bega will not be forgotten with a presentation by Graeme Farrer of the Bega Valley Historical Society to highlight the impact and consequences of major floods, as well as stories about the river.
Information on the local wildlife, especially the feathered and frog varieties, will be covered in a talk by wildlife ecologist and ornithologist Jim Shields.
For those who would like to do more than listen, you can join in a demonstration by the Tai Chi for Health program, or hire a bike on site from Tathra Beach and Bike and ride more than 12km of bike path around the town.
As the revived Bega River precinct is an area much loved and used by local dog owners, there will be a dog agility demonstration by the Bega Valley Kennel Club at the Old Racecourse.
In fact, the question will be asked if a bark park should be part of the long-term plan for the area.
Ochre face painting and traditional basket weaving will be on offer for the young ones and a stirring performance by community drumming ensemble Stonewave Taiko will herald the official part of the program at 11am.
At the old Bega Racecourse there will be a jumping castle set up, craft group, SES truck and the Bega District Band will be performing.
“We just want the community to come and enjoy what’s been achieved and perhaps get involved in what’s to come, that’s the intention of Bega River Day,” BRAWL president Ian Fowler said.
“It’s also an opportunity to acknowledge that the entire project to date would not have been possible without the support of South East Local Land Services, Bega Valley Shire Council and funding from the NSW Government Environment Trust.”
Take along a rug and pack a picnic, or spend up big at the Lions or Rotary food stalls, with the day’s program running from 10am until 3pm.
In the event of rain, Bega River Day will be scaled back as needed, but only cancelled if unsafe.
For more information and updates, check out www.facebook/brawllandcare or email begariverday@gmail.com.