Wattles are an iconic group of Australian plants. With
around 1000 species in Australia, wattles occur right across the continent, from the arid inland to subalpine mountains. The wattle genus is known as
Acacia, and our national flora emblem is
Acacia pycnantha – the Golden Wattle.
Wattles are an iconic group of Australian plants and can be found in habitats right across the country. This species is Acacia dealbata (Silver Wattle); photo: L. Vivian.
Wattle Day has been officially celebrated on September 1st throughout Australia since 1992, although in years past it was celebrated on different days. According to the
Wattle Day Association, Wattle Day is a day to celebrate for a range of reasons:
"Wattle is our national floral emblem. It is a symbol that comes directly from our land.
Wattle is Australian and represents us all. Unlike other national days, National Wattle Day excludes no one.
Like our people, wattle has great diversity (with more than 1,200 species) and resilience.
Wattle welcomes in the spring and is among the first plants to regenerate after fire, reminding us of the importance of renewal as it paints our national colours across our land.
Wattle is a unifying symbol for all Australians. There is no other symbol that says so much about us and our land, Australia.
Wattle is a symbol of Australia and Australians."
Each year different organisations hold events to celebrate Wattle Day. This year in Melbourne (and further afield), events range from BBQs to plant sales and even a bush dance! See below for a range of different events, and if you know of more please mention them in the comments.
Celebrate wattle day at one of the many events. This species is Acacia paradoxa (Hedge Wattle); photo: L. Vivian
Follow each link for further information and to RSVP.
Events
National Wattle Day - Community Planting in Knox
What: Celebrate National Wattle Day with Knox City Council: connect with nature, learn about some of the local Wattle species and enjoy a guided nature walk. BYO gardening gloves and enjoy a BBQ by the
Friends of Blind Creek Billabong.
Where: Fairpark Reserve, Cnr Scoresby Road and Manuka Drive, Ferntree Gully
When: Saturday 1 September 2018, 10 am - 12 pm
For further information and enquiries click
here.
Celebrate Wattle Day at Yarran Dheran Nature Reserve, Mitcham
What: Celebrate Wattles in this informative session led by Mart Hagel and then join a guided walk around Yarran Dheran in Mitcham to identify some of our wattles.
Where: Yarran Dheran Nature Reserve, 1 Ashburton Drive, Mitcham, Victoria
When: Saturday 1 September 2018, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
For further information and RSVP click
here.
Dance Workshops and Family Bush Dance in Ringwood
What: Celebrate Wattle Day with the Victorian Folk Music Club, including Dance Workshops in the afternoon, and a Family Bush Dance in the evening with Blackberry Jam Bush Band playing a special 'Australiana' dance program
Where: Ringwood East Senior Citizens Hall Laurence Grove, Melway 50 B8
When: Saturday 1 September 2018, workshops in the afternoon (see link below for contact details) and dance 7.30 pm - 11.00 pm
For further information and RSVP click
here.
Bayside Community Nursery September Gala Day
What: Visit the nursery in Cheltenham to peruse the range of indigenous species, talk with the volunteers and staff, taste a free snag and help celebrate the nursery's 40th birthday year.
Where: 315–317 Reserve Road, Cheltenham VIC 3192
When: Saturday 1 September 2018, 9 am - 2pm
For further information click
here.
Geocaching: Wattle Day 2018 - Melbourne
What: Join in for a casual 'meet & greet' event at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne to celebrate Wattle Day.
Where: The Terrace Cafe, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne (indoor if weather is poor, else outdoor. Ask for Wattle Day event)
When: Saturday 1 September 2018, 9.45 am to 11.15 am
For further information and RSVP click
here.
Friends of Colac Botanic Gardens - Wattle Day walk
What: Go on a guided walk with the Friends to enjoy and learn more about wattles.
Where: Colac Botanic Gardens, Fyans Street, Colac
When: Saturday 1 September 2018, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
For further information and RSVP click
here.
Australian Republic Movement Wattle Day BBQs
What: Join fellow republic supporters to celebrate Wattle Day and the beginning of Spring!
Where and when: Two events: (1) Reservoir - Edwardes Lake Park, Griffith Street, Sat. 1 September 2018 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm and (2) Williamstown - Hatt Reserve, Esplanade, Sat. 1 September 2018 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
For further information and RSVP click
here and
here.
A bit further afield: National Wattle Day Celebration at Kurrawonga (Nelson)
What: Participate in coastal wattle control, listen to indigenous wattle stories, learn about different wattle species and taste some wattle treats.
Where: Kurrawonga, 165 North Nelson Road, 3292 Nelson
When: Saturday 1 September 2018, 10 am - 2 pm
For further information and RSVP click
here.
