Port Stephens Council has approved funding to support the launch of an annual Threatened Species Festival, led by Port Stephens Sister Cities.
The event will focus on endangered wildlife and habitat protection, with the first major celebrations planned for September.
It’ll also coincide with the arrival of migratory shorebirds that travel from Kushiro, Japan, along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway.
Port Stephens and Kushiro share internationally significant wetland habitats, and these areas are critical to the survival of migratory shorebirds.
The festival will aim to highlight the long-standing sister city relationship between the two regions, too, which is built on shared environmental values and conservation efforts.
A joint committee of local organisations are set to deliver the program, including Hunter Bird Observers, Port Stephens EcoNetwork, Mambo Wanda Wetlands Conservation Group and Port Stephens Community Arts Centre.
Port Stephens Sister Cities member Elaine Fereday said the council funding would allow the group to turn the annual bird migration into a broader community event.
“This money from Port Stephens Council enables us to celebrate our unique international partnership, raise awareness and inspire community action,” she explained.
“The arrival of the birds each September is a natural spectacle that reminds us of our connection to the global environment.”
Planning for the festival will begin next month with the launch of an East Asian Flyway Art Competition on 8 February.
It is being organised by Port Stephens Community Arts Centre and sponsored by Ingenia Communities, with prizes valued at $6,650.
Port Stephens Community Arts Centre chair Meryl Miller said the competition would select a design for street banners to be flown across the Tomaree Peninsula each September.
“The idea is to highlight the arrival of the birds in Australia and bring that story into public spaces,” she stated.
A community “mini carnival” will also be staged at Apex Park on Sunday 8 February to support the competition launch.
Participants have an opportunity to speak with members of Hunter Bird Observers and learn about the East Asian–Australasian Flyway.
Children will be able to take part in pavement chalk art activities and make godwit puppets as well.
On the same day, the Mambo Wanda Wetlands Conservation Group will host guided walks through the wetlands to mark World Wetlands Day.
East Ward councillor Roz Armstrong said the festival could expand across the Port Stephens in future years, focusing on different threatened birds, plants or animals.
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