Katanning celebrates Children’s Week 2024 with community planting day at Wanslea early learning centre

Local families planted 60 different native flora and constructed two frog hotels to enhance local biodiversity at the Wanslea Katanning Early Learning and Development centre for Children’s Week.

The centre hosted a community planting day at its Katanning location on October 20 in partnership with the Friends of Piesse Park Nursery, which gifted the flora.

Badgebup Aboriginal Corporation constructed a mia-mia, the Noongar word for shelter, made from branches, bark, leaves and grass.

Friends of Piesse Park volunteer Jane Hung said the plants and activities were carefully chosen.

“The plants were carefully selected and planted, designed to enhance colour, provide shape and offer natural wind abatement,” she said.

“The construction of a mia-mia will provide a unique and cultural educational place.”

Children also enjoyed totem pole painting and yarn bombing between planting.

Ms Hung said the day emphasised family and generational community engagement.

“This event highlighted the importance of childhood and fostered connections within the community,” Ms Hung said.

“The initiative not only enriched the local environment but also transformed Wanslea’s outdoor space into a nature-rich setting, providing children with more opportunities to learn and develop a love for nature.

“Children’s Week continues to foster connections and celebrate childhood across Western Australia, ensuring families, especially those in remote and regional areas, have access to enriching experiences.”

Children’s Week is a national celebration that aims to raise awareness about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children.