“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 by Canberra based Rebus Theatre and involves artists from Bega Valley Shire, Eurobodalla Shire, East Gippsland, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council, and the ACT.

These walks provide opportunities to reflect, create and converse through bushfire recovering properties in the Braidwood and Shoalhaven River district. This Wonder Walk is being held at Plumwood Mountain, half an hour from Braidwood and on the unceded lands and waters of the Walbunja peoples of the Yuin Nation.

Situated on top of the coastal escarpment, Plumwood Mountain shares tall eucalypt (E. fastigata) and ancient ‘Plumwood’ (Eucryphia moorei) forests with the neighbouring Budawang and Monga National Parks. Hosting a diversity of temperate rainforest and dry sclerophyll communities, Plumwood is home to the greater glider, the common wombat, the superb lyrebird, and funnel web spiders – among a variety of other creatures.

Plumwood Mountain was the home of ecofeminist philosopher Dr. Val Plumwood and has been under the care of a trust since her death in 2008.

Plumwood Mountain was severely burnt in the 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfires, and is still in the process of rejuvenating.

The Walk is a day for reflection, conversations and creativity. During the afternoon workshops, the participants will be invited to create work with the site, using small samples of materials (leaves & bark) gathered from trees passed on the walk. These natural materials will be used to create visual work through the processes of chromatography facilitated by Sammy Hawker, and eco-dying facilitated by Cecile Galiazzo.

All art materials will be supplied but you are welcome to bring your own sketchbooks, cameras, binoculars etc!

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

Please note, this walk is 4.8km return and is recommended for able bodied people who are comfortable with a medium-grade bush walk.

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 suitable clothing as well as 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. Please do not wander far from the group at any point as it is possible to become lost.

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. Please be aware of leeches.

Mobility and Activity Restrictions:

This walk is 4.8km return and is recommended for able bodied people who are comfortable with a medium-grade bush walk. 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.