ANGAIR Nature Show

By Liz Clark Members of ANGAIR were feeling quite deflated and disappointed earlier in the year when they realised that they would be unable to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their annual wildflower and art exhibition.

Many members had already been planning and seeking ways to make sure that they could outdo the efforts of all the previous years, but it was not to be. They almost decided to give the show a miss.

Olivia and Bill Clarke brought forward the idea of using digital technology to present a different type of show online, to be called ‘ANGAIR Nature Show 2020’. Having already begun work on a digital asset management system for ANGAIR, with the valuable assistance of another Anglesea local Karl Jacklin, Bill and Olivia knew that there was a wealth of history, photos, documents and stories available to use. So they began an enormous task, strongly supported by the committee and many experienced and knowledgeable members, to create the show website.

The main goal of the nature show was to share knowledge and encourage members of the public to enjoy and discover as much as possible of our beautiful environment, its flora and fauna and local conservation efforts.

The nature show team commenced a new learning experience, using what they already knew, but constantly having to find exciting, innovative and different ways to look at problems and solutions.

It was a fast learning experience for everyone – in only a matter of a few months – and they are delighted that they have now discovered how to use new technologies smartly. They have found that technology enables and supports communication and collaboration, and despite the fact that so many ANGAIR members are retired and feel they are not really tech-savvy, they have found new ways to both enjoy and use some very up-to-date technology. An amazing collection of records were the basis of the website – drawings and paintings, photos, scientific data, the experience of members over many years, stories, newsletter, as well as the support of members who were both willing and able to find information that was not already available. Five themes were chosen to present information to the public: Wonder, Explore, Learn, Create and Play.

4 Wonder – the photos and information invited participants to marvel at the biodiversity and beauty of the fauna and flora in the Anglesea/Aireys Inlet area. It included heathlands and forests, unique plant species, coastal, marine and riverine life; diverse kinds of birds, insects and fungi. Sub-themes of little birds, history of Anglesea, native fish and frogs, wildlife photography, Eagle Rock and Point Addis, were filled with hundreds of photos and a vast amount of information – at one’s fingertips!

Explore – filmed walks and self-guided walking tours, including maps, commentaries, photos and descriptions of plants and birds. It was suggested that people take their guided walk ‘flip booklet’ on their tablet or phone. (Many members of the public were out and about during October, walking, checking out the plants and enjoying the beautiful spring weather.)

Tracks included Ted’s Ridge Track at Aireys Inlet, Great Otway National Park (Harvey Street), Allen Noble Sanctuary, Anglesea Bushland Reserve and Anglesea Lookout Reserve. Learn – not just for kids, this section provided information on flora and fauna, environmental-related activities, the hooded plover, environmental weeds and how to remove and replace them, gardens for local plants and birds, and advice for the fire season.

Create – a digitised exhibition of artwork from Anglesea Primary School, poetry share, photo competition for the public to submit photos of the environment, making ephemeral art, making things out of paper, and colouring activities. Play – not just for the kids either, this included jigsaws, quizzes and games. ANGAIR is delighted to report more than 3000 unique users of the website and more than 20,000 ‘looks’ at pages during the exhibition time in October. Despite visitors being generally unable to come here they were able to enjoy this unique environment and find valuable information about the widest range of natural assets in the area, as well as seeing some outstanding photos and drawings from very experienced and enthusiastic members, past and present. After an amazingly successful event, with thousands of viewers and participants, President of ANGAIR Wendy Crebbin was full of praise for Olivia and Bill, as well as for the committee and the everyday members of ANGAIR who had collaborated so well together to produce this novel and exciting show. She said that with so many members feeling out of their depth with technology, they mostly ‘just went along for the ride and contributed where they could.’ She paid tribute to the many who were so willing and keen to donate their time freely to ensure that this important 50th anniversary would not go unmarked. As an older person, not very technically adept, I was a bit sceptical about how good a digital show like this could be. I looked through the site prior to my visit to the Clarke’s and thought they had paid a good tribute to ANGAIR’s big anniversary. However, when I was shown how interactive the site actually is, the vast amount of information available, the amazing photos, those fantastic guided walks, and how to work my way around all that data, I was thrilled and very happily surprised. I could literally have spent many more hours in a journey of discovery through this site. I recommend readers take time to visit www.angairnatureshow.org.au to see just what this unique area has to offer. The site is still available, although no new information is to be added for the time being. Warmest congratulations to ANGAIR members and their sponsors, and thanks from a grateful public.