Tree planting fun at last year’s Wallaby ReGen Weekender, from which the majority of trees survived the flood event following Tropical Cyclone Jasper. Photo: Facebook.
In the wake of Tropical Cyclone Jasper’s mass flooding event, regeneration holds a special meaning for Rossville in the leadup to this year’s Wallaby ReGen weekend.
Known as the ReGen Weekender last year, the annual event focuses on new ways of living harmoniously with nature through scientific presentations, practical workshops, and simply enjoying the environment together.
Wallaby ReGen coordinator Pasha Lynch said the flood recovery process inspired this year’s theme.
“We’re using the theme of water, and all the presenters will be talking about water in relation to regeneration,” she said.
“It’s about asking how we all learn from this; What do we do when there’s too much water? How do we manage? How do we build things back up better?
“I think the term regeneration holds a much stronger meaning this year.”
Activities on growing your own food, cooking, composting, tropical permaculture, yoga and meditation will be accompanied by gentle acoustic music as participants chat about recovery and regeneration.
Ms Lynch said one of the highlights of the gathering would be the mass tree planting event, where attendees plant trees to extend the community’s rainforest.
With the help of rainforest revival organisation, ClimateForce, more than 200 trees were planted last year and fortunately, most survived the flooding despite being underwater for an extended period.
“We call it a botanical lottery; when you first start, you may have two plants in your hand and have no idea what they are, but by the end of the exercise, the names are called out and people start learning what’s sitting around them in the forest,” she explained.
“When people drive past, they know they planted those trees there and that’s very important.
“Especially after we lost so much, we don’t want to stop; we’re just going to keep planting, even though the flood took some out.”
With times still tough for many, Ms Lynch said the ReGen team did not want finances to be a barrier to attendance.
“Certainly for people who have been affected by the flood, we would be happy for them to come without having to get tickets, they just need to contact me,” Ms Lynch said.
“If people want to come along, they can also volunteer and do a few hours beforehand to help us set up.
Tickets are now on sale on humanitix for Wallaby ReGen 2024 on 19-24 July, with an option to donate on the site to cover the cost of bringing presenters to the community.
To contact Ms Lynch, email [email protected].
