A free school holiday event in Cranbourne will educate Victorians of all ages about the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot.
Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt on Friday 15 September launched the Big Bandicoot Backyard which will entertain families of all ages over the next three days at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne.
Visitors will watch performances, participate in art and science activities, take guided walks and see a giant bandicoot made out of weeds.
Minister Stitt encouraged all families to make the most of the Big Bandicoot Backyard these school holidays and learn more about the endangered species.
“The Big Bandicoot Backyard program highlights that some of our most threatened animals and plants live in our neighbourhood and there are actions we can all take to protect them,” Minister Stitt said.
As part of the Big Bandicoot Backyard bonanza, on Saturday 23 September keen gardeners are invited to join a free one-off walk through the gardens to learn how to create habitat for Southern Brown Bandicoots in their very own backyards.
Southern Brown Bandicoots were once one of the most common and widespread native mammals in Southern Australia but the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne is now home to the last remaining urban population of the species in mainland Australia.
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria director and chief executive David Harland said Southern Brown Bandicoots are remarkable critters and they need our help to survive and thrive in the suburbs.
“I hope the Big Bandicoot Backyardwill inspire many more bandicoot advocates so together we can protect this precious species.
“There are a few things that you can do to support bandicoots in your own backyard and their diggings will in turn improve the health of your garden. Plant dense, strappy grasses, keep cats contained, avoid using poisons, and report sightings on the free iNaturalist app.”
The Big Bandicoot Backyard event is partially funded by the government’s Melbourne Strategic Assessment program which ensures that development in these areas protects our biodiversity.
The Big Bandicoot Backyard runs from 10am for three days from Friday 22 September.
For further details, visit rbg.vic.gov.au/cranbourne-gardens/what-s-on-cranbourne/big-bandicoot-backyard
