Bino-Curious

Mindfully walking, bird spotting and creating our way through the Darebin Parklands. Bino-curious is a neuro-queer friendly event facilitated by Gretta, a local bird enthusiast/counsellor. This event is intended for folks with all levels of interest in birds, nature, and those who simply want to spend intentional time outside. We'll explore local parklands and learn about the birds that live there, as well as appreciating other critters, plant life, fungi and geology. The program is designed to provide informal education, while facilitating wellbeing by slowing down and noticing what’s around us – an ideal way to de-frazzle the nervous system. Expect to engage in some gentle nature-based therapy practices designed to help tune into our senses, as well as some simple creative activities e.g. nature journaling, sketching found objects, photography. The remainder of the year will see us move through the Wurundjeri seasons of porneet: tadpole season (Sep-Oct), followed by buath guru: grass flowering season (Nov) and garrawang: kangaroo apple season (Dec). Read more about the Wurundjeri seasons here: https://www.ngurrakbarring.com.au/resiliencetheme/interpretive-signage-the-seven-seasons-of-the-eastern-kulin-nation/ https://www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/Services/Support-for-people/Aboriginal-community/Wurundjeri-seasons When and where: Fortnightly on Thursdays beginning October 8th, 10:30AM -12:30PM* *Possibility of afternoon/early evening/weekend sessions in the future. Each session will have a maximum capacity of 10 people. We will meet at the The Gleeson Centre, located at the end of Separation Street, Alphington. Darebin Parklands Map PDF What’s included: The ticket price includes a blank notebook and greylead pencil, intended for nature journaling practice/sketches etc. What to expect/accessibility: The walk will be ~2-2.5km and follow part of the Spiritual Healing Trail, a gentle circuit designed by local First Nations peoples as a gift of reconciliation. The terrain is mostly flat, with paved, gravel and grass surfaces. There are some uneven sections, stepping stones and slight inclines/declines. The session will be ~1.5-2 hours including breaks for rest/reflection/activities. Facilitator: Gretta (she/they) is a bird nerd, proud AuDHDer and counsellor who supports neuroqueer folks via community health and her private practice, Glimmer Counselling. Growing up on beautiful Gunaikurnai country (East Gippsland) sparked Gretta’s deep love of nature, especially birds, having been fascinated by them from a very young age (not just when she turned 30!). Gretta strongly believes in the therapeutic benefits of slow, intentional time spent in green spaces, especially in urban settings where the pace is normally set to fast mode. Getting There: Accessible parking: Free parking available at the parklands (Smith St/Separation St) and surrounding side streets. Train: Alphington Station, cross at Wingrove St to bike path - Platform 1: 600 - 850m, access via overpass or footpath/bike path (longer route) - Platform 2: 550m, access via footpath/bike path Bus: 508 to Alphington - Bennett/Separation Street stop ~ 140m Return Bus: 508 to Moonee Ponds - Perry Street/Separation Street stop ~ 750m Bike path access: Darebin trail and Main Yarra Trail Facilities: - Accessible unisex toilets - Accessible parking - Drinking water fountain w/bottle refill - Bike repair station What to bring: Recommended: - Water/electrolytes - Closed-toed walking shoes - Hat - Sunscreen Optional: - Snacks - Camera - Binoculars - Insect repellent - Fidgets/comfort items - Extra drawing/sketching supplies Recommended apps/resources/viewing: - Merlin Bird ID app (basically 'bird shazam') - eBird app - iNaturalist app - The Compact Australian Bird Guide - LaTrobe Uni - Birds in the 'Burbs' Info Sheet - Darebin Creek Plants & Animals - The Secret Lives of Urban Birds: ABC iview - Listers Documentary: Youtube (free) Presented by Bridge Queer Gathering. Please reach out to laura@bridgedarebin.org.au with any accessibility questions, needs or concerns. Transport assistance is available. I/we acknowledge that this event takes places on the unceded lands of Wurundjeri-Woiwurrung peoples, the original owners and custodians of the natural resources that, due to their enduring wisdom and deep connection to the land, we are fortunate enough to enjoy today.