Community Workshop: Naming Coogee’s Kelp Forest

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

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 a nearby kelp forest off Coogee.

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 some coffee, for a 9:00 AM sharp workshop start.

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