Season's Greetings from Centennial Parklands Foundation

Whilst we approach the end to a challenging year for us all, from listening to our community it seems that a positive outcome of these unprecedented times has been a renewed appreciation for both nature and each other. We therefore hope that you enjoy a wonderful festive season with your loved ones and take some time to bush walk, for children to climb trees and to swim in the ocean (or cool off in the Artisan Water Play at The Ian Potter Children's WILD PLAY Garden, open daily 10am - 4pm).

We are delighted with the response to our Pavers for Frontline Workers' initiative which was launched on 24 November. We have received such heart-warming nominations from across the community honouring these unsung heroes who have helped us all during the pandemic. Nominations close at 5pm on 7 December so if you would like to nominate someone within your community please see the details below.

There are also only 12 days left to secure your Celebration Steps paver as phase III will close on 14 December, with pavers expected to be laid at the end of February 2022. Don't miss out as we only open up opportunities to dedicate a paver at the Steps every few years. If you have a special memory to celebrate or a special someone to honour, securing a little piece of the Parklands could be the perfect fit for you. Click here to donate a paver or to learn more about this grassroots community program.

As always, if you have any queries or feedback please don't hesitate to contact the Foundation Team on (02) 9339 6653 or send an email.

Warm regards & festive cheer

Governors and Foundation Team

Welcoming new Governors Allison Langdon & Penny Mapp

We are delighted to welcome two newly appointed high-profile Governors to our Board – Allison Langdon, of Channel 9’s ‘Today Show’, and Penny Mapp, Nature Play advocate and integral to her family’s charitable foundation, the Grahame Mapp Foundation. Both bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Board and have already hit the ground running showcasing their strengths and dynamic ideas. You can read more about their motivations for joining the Board and some of our current and future plans in a recent cover story in the Wentworth Courier. Read the full article here.

Nominate a frontline worker to receive a paver in their honour

The Foundation is acknowledging our frontline workers by gifting 15 personally engraved pavers at the Celebration Steps.
Show your appreciation by nominating an individual or group of frontline workers to receive a paver in their name. Please email your nominations and include:
- the person or group's name
- their role
- the organisation
- how they have helped us during the pandemic
Nominations close on Tuesday 7 December at 5pm (AEST). Full T&C's are available on our website here.

Nature Play for NSW report launched

In 2020, Centennial Parklands – supported by Centennial Parklands Foundation – facilitated a consultation of key Nature Play stakeholders in the state. The resulting report 'Nature Play for NSW – Insights and Recommendations' describes the current situation and gives key recommendations to facilitate the growth of Nature Play throughout the state in the focus areas of: Advocacy, Funding and Resources, Support for Educational Settings and Connections with Families and Communities. To read the full report please click here.

GIVEAWAY - Moonlight Cinema ticket: 3 x double passes

Pack a picnic and celebrate the arrival of summer with a movie night under the stars on us! Moonlight Cinema has returned to Centennial Park for another blockbuster season and the Foundation has four double passes to give away. All you have to do to enter is email three words that best describe why you love nature to have a chance to win. Entries close at 5pm, 16 December 2021. One entry per subscriber. Tickets will be emailed to you. Only winners will be notified.

'What's On' at your Parklands

Cultural Heritage Tour with Uncle Vic Simms - Saturday 4 December

Join Bidjigal elder Uncle Vic Simms for a one-off tour of the Guriwal Trail and its new Arts and Culture Installation in Centennial Park to learn more about the connection between local First Nations people and the environment. This is a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the value of this area’s flora and fauna, which for centuries, has provided the Bidjigal and Guriwal people with food, medicine, resources and knowledge. For more info and to book your ticket click here.

This free tour is kindly funded by Centennial Parklands Foundation's Legacy Fund.

Santa's workshop - Sunday 19 to Thursday 23 December

Enjoy the beautiful Park and see what amazing Christmas decorations and presents you can make. Discover the Lachlan Swamp and its inhabitants and collect material that will help you make some beautiful art objects. Of course there will be some games and lots of fun included! Children will be introduced to a range of art mediums and natural materials – presents parents and grandparents will love. To book your child's place click here.