“Wonder Walks” is part of Project Alchemy, a series a cross disciplinary arts projects to build community connection across south-east Australia. The project is facilitated Canberra based Rebus Theatre and involves artists from Bega Valley Shire, Eurobodalla Shire, East Gippsland, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council, and the ACT.

Creative walks to reflect, create and converse through bushfire recovering properties in the Braidwood and Shoalhaven River district.

This Wonder Walk is being held at the property of Nicola Bowery and Harry Laing, distinguished Australian poets and writers.

Their property, Geebung, at the edge of the Monga National Park was affected by the devastating bushfires in our region of 2019/20.

Three years on, and the bush has recovered, the wildlife returned and the hope for continued conservation and preservation of this unique landscape.

The Walk is a day for reflection, conversations and creativity. All art materials will be supplied but you are welcome to bring your own sketchbooks, cameras, binoculars etc!

Attendees will be asked to bring 2L of water and a packed picnic lunch. Extra water for topping up water bottles will be available on the day.

This Wonder Walk is the first in a series of creative walks, exploring properties and bushland in the Braidwood an Shoalhaven River district.

COVID-19 restrictions:

This project plan is based on the assumption that each walking tour will have a capped amount of attendees who will be able to walk with a requisite amount of space between each other. Attendees who are feeling unwell will be asked not to attend on the day due to the physical nature of the activities and given a refund. A waiting list will have an additional (four) attendees in the event of cancellations.

Sickness:

If the host and/or organiser is sick then the event will be postponed. Participants who have booked will have the option to refund or attend the next scheduled Walk.

Inclement Weather:

Attendees will be advised of event cancellation no later than 5pm on the day prior to the event due to forecast storms or the like.

No reception at walking sites:

Event host will gauge from site owners prior expectations around mobile reception which will be verbally and in writing passed onto attendees prior to attending.

Access to Toilets and Hand Washing:

Host will provide details for each Wonder Walk site where the nearest toilets are accessible pre, during and post the Wonder Walks and the estimated time that people might have to wait between toilet visits.

Trip hazards or walking accidents and incidents:

Tour routes will be chosen to minimise hazards. Attendees will be required to wear sneakers or hiking footwear – no open toed shoes. Assistant will be present with Rebus first aid kit at all tours. Guide and assistant will help tour party members away from potential hazards. Event Host and assistant have current first aid certificates.

Sun Hazards:

Attendees will be asked to wear sunscreen, long sleeved clothing and pants and a hat. Supplementary sunscreen will be carried by assistant.

Insect Bites and Allergies:

Attendees will be encouraged to wear insect repellent prior to the walks. Supplementary Insect repellent and a first aid kit will be carried by the assistant on all walks. Event host and assistant have current First Aid Certificates.

Mobility and Activity Restrictions:

It is anticipated that we will walk for 1 - 1.5 hours before lunch and again in the afternoon. Eco-dyeing and arts activities will begin after the morning walk. The grade of the walk is gentle but not suitable to wheelchairs / prams). Children must be above the age of 10 to attend and be accompanied by an adult.

Carrying Equipment and Supplies:

Attendees and host will use suitable bags /back packs with even distribution across backs and shoulders.