WMB at Daminmin art and culture festival: engaging communities in invasive species management
The Weed Management Branch (WMB), represented by Gerald Danao, participated in the annual Daminmin art and culture festival, held from 10 to 11 July during NAIDOC Week.
The focus was on educating and engaging festivalgoers about the pressing issue of invasive weeds and their management.
The festival, which attracted a diverse audience that included Aboriginal custodians, rural property owners, cultural performers and enthusiasts, and international migrant visitors, provided an ideal platform for the WMB to showcase its work and raise awareness.
A highlight of the WMB's stall was a competition where children threw frisbees to encircle a bottle, creating a lively hub of activity.
Meanwhile, visitors showed great interest in educational materials, such as the weed ID decks, the Weed Management Handbook, and gamba grass stubby holders. These items became highly sought after, with many visitors surprised to learn about the extensive work done by the WMB, along with the vital role they themselves play in managing invasive species in the Northern Territory.
The WMB’s participation in the Daminmin art and culture festival successfully raised awareness about invasive weed species among local and international migrant communities.
The event fostered a deeper understanding of the importance of community collaboration in protecting the region’s ecosystems, ensuring that both local and international stakeholders are informed and empowered to contribute to managing invasive weeds across the Territory.
