Have you seen our Koala Art Trail Design Competition?
The aim is to install a series of sculptures in and around Narrandera to raise awareness of our thriving koala population.
“In our experience, seeing a koala in the wild is high on most visitor’s itinerary,” said Brenda Hartmire, Events & Visitor Services Team Leader.
“Even if they did not realise we have koalas, once you mention them, most people want to see one in the wild.”
Any businesses that would like to participate in the Narrandera Koala Art Trail are invited to call the Narrandera Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6959 5545 and you will be kept up to date with news.
The series of 800mm decorated fibreglass sculptures in and around Narrandera will increase engagement with visitors and locals within the various tourism and retail businesses.
“We anticipate some of the designs will be commissioned by businesses that choose to participate in the Narrandera Koala Art Trail,” said Ms Hartmire.
“This will be promoted and form part of the tourism offering of the Narrandera area.”
The proposed Narrandera Koala Festival will present the Koala Sculptures as a feature display (and the event date will soon be announced).
This family-friendly festival will run over a weekend with both day and evening sessions.
“We will be celebrating everything related to koalas with ecology information, climbing displays, magic workshops, amusements, as well as lots of Australian activities and stalls.”
After the Festival, the Koalas Sculptures will go to their assigned homes and the Art Trail will open for viewing.
GO OUT ON A LIMB
Whether you are a professional, amateur or junior (under 18 years) artist, you can submit your design for consideration to be part of the Koala Art Trail.
There’s a cash prize of $250 for the winning design.
To enter send an Expression of Interest by email to tourist.centre@narrandera.nsw.gov.au or call Narrandera Visitor Information Centre or phone (02) 6959 5545 to receive your entry pack.
Entries closes at 4pm on 28 February 2022.
The designs will be displayed at an exhibition in the Narrandera Arts & Community Centre from 2 - 24 April 2022, with the winning entry announced at a Gala Evening on 1 April.
LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION?
If you would like to see a koala, Narrandera’s Visitor Information Centre are willing to share their advice.
“The path on the Levee Bank is a lovely walk, even during the occasional minor floods that we’ve seen recently.
This will take you past Lake Talbot and Rocky Waterholes, then the path continues to the Bundidgerry Walking track.
“From the elevated position on the Levee you will often see koalas in the nearby trees.
“Alternately you can wander through the Fauna & Flora Reserve and look at the base of the River Red Gums and various other gum trees for scat on the ground or scratch marks on the trunk.
“If you look up for lumps in the tree, usually in the fork, you may have just located a koala,” said Ms Hartmire.
