Community spirit shines at Earth Hour event
Wingecarribee Shire’s Earth Hour celebrations have been hailed a success with hundreds of visitors flocking to the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens on Saturday 24 March.
The free event launched Vessels of Change, a solar-powered art installation designed by local artist Heidi McGeoch in collaboration with Sam Larwill. The exhibition consists of recycled 44 gallon drums with motifs cut into them that reflect sustainability.
“The artists have deliberately used recycled materials to inspire the onlooker to reflect on alternative sources of energy and to explore how we can breathe new life into materials otherwise viewed as rubbish,” said Council’s Cultural Development Officer, Jenny Kena.
The installation will remain on exhibition until 19 April and can be viewed from the walking track adjacent to the gardens on Kangaloon Road in Bowral.
Children who attended the event had the opportunity to participate in solar-powered lantern making workshops with Heidi. Later in the evening, lanterns were paraded through the crowd as the art installation illuminated the night sky.
Visitors also enjoyed refreshments, live music and talks with renewable energy experts.
“A highlight was the community countdown to Earth Hour when all grid powered electric lights were switched off,” said Jenny.
Earth Hour is the world’s largest grassroots environmental movement where landmarks and communities switch off their lights to show their support for a brighter future for the planet.
Council thanks Regional Arts NSW, the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens, Moss Vale High School Band, the Prefects of Bowral High School and the many stall holders, performers and volunteers who helped make the event a success.
“And of course a huge thank you not only to those who celebrated with us but to the residents and businesses who switched off non-essential lights to support Earth Hour 2018,” said Jenny.