Community Workshop: Naming Freshwater's Kelp Forest

Join Operation Crayweed for a creative, place-based community workshop to connect with the hidden kelp forest just offshore from Freshwater Beach.

Kelp forests are one of Sydney’s most important underwater ecosystems, yet they remain largely unseen and unnamed. This workshop invites local community members to learn about kelp forests, share their connections to the coast, and take part in a collaborative process to discuss a shortlist of names for the kelp forest growing in front of the Freshwater Rockpool.

Through a mix of short talks, guided discussion, and facilitated activities, participants will:

• Learn about local kelp forests and why they matter

• Reflect on personal and community connections to this stretch of coastline

• Contribute to a shared shortlist of potential names for the kelp forest.

The shortlisted names will later be shared online for a wider public vote.

No prior scientific knowledge is needed - just curiosity and an interest in the coast. This is a relaxed, welcoming workshop designed to bring people together around place, language, and caring for the marine environment.

We suggest an 8:30 AM meeting for a 9:00 AM sharp workshop start in the Freshwater Room of the Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club.

We're grateful to Patagonia for generously sponsoring a raffle prize for one lucky workshop participant!

Please contact claudia.santori@unsw.edu.au for any questions.

OPTIONAL: If you are an early riser, feel free to join us at our Sea the Weed dawn ceremony and snorkel over the to-be-named kelp forest! Details and sign up here: Sea the Weed (June - Freshwater).

This event is sponsored by Hyundai.