There will be fun and free activities for all ages and abilities to enjoy when Wellington Shire Council’s Parks Week returns from Saturday 2 to Sunday 10 March 2024.

A popular council-led initiative, Parks Week celebrates Wellington’s excellent local parks and open spaces with a series of community events, encouraging residents to pack a picnic, get outdoors and spend time in The Middle of Everywhere.

The program of events will span across family and seniors forest therapy walks, outdoor movie nights in Woodside and Port Albert, women’s health bootcamps, an ask a dog trainer session, Parkruns, guided tours of the Sale Botanic Gardens, a wood shaping workshop and community markets in Rosedale, Heyfield and Maffra.

Sale’s Baby’s Day Out and Yarram’s Kids Day Out are always a major drawcard for local families, with jumping castles, face painting, petting zoos, and lots more fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.

The Teddy Bear picnic-themed Storytime in Stratford’s Memorial Park will have stories, songs, crafts and activities. If you can’t usually make it to a Storytime session during the school term, take advantage of this free session with the Stratford Library team.

On Sunday 3 March, Pedal2Parks will encourage people to ride the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail from Cowwarr to Heyfield Wetlands.

Colour runs in Sale and Yarram will feature obstacles, coloured powders and sausage sizzles. Yarram’s Street Beat mini fete day will have plenty of food stalls, local vendors and student artwork on display to foster community connections.

The week culminates on Sunday 10 March with the Sale Music Festival at the Port of Sale, showcasing a lineup of local talent and entertainers, as well as an open-air movie night and sausage sizzle at Port Albert’s Rutter Park.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye said he is looking forward to getting out and about and enjoying Wellington’s outdoor spaces with the community this Parks Week.

“Open spaces provide enormous social and environmental value to the community, and spending time in green spaces is proven to have a positive influence on our wellbeing,” Cr Bye said.

“We are fortunate  that we have so many fantastic local parks, gardens and community spaces worth celebrating.

“Parks Week is brimming with activities and is a fun way to make community connections and make the most of our open spaces all over the Shire.

“I encourage people to come along to a Parks Week event, or even just get out and enjoy the many open spaces that make up The Middle of Everywhere.”

While some Parks Week events require physical activity such as walking, running, riding or exercise, most of Council’s open spaces are accessible for all people, including people with limited mobility or anyone living with a disability.

Highlights include:

Baby's Day Out at Sale’s Brennan Park - Monday 4 March 2024, 10am – 1pm

A fun and free day for children aged 0-4 years and their parents and carers. The event includes rock painting, a jumping castle, face painting, balloon twisting and a petting zoo. Wellington Shire Council staff will be present, along with representatives from Uniting Care, Martial Health Care Services, Kim Kell from the Proactive Policing Operative from Wellington Victoria Police, and the Toy Library. Coffee and ice cream will be available to purchase.

Kids Day Out at Yarram’s Memorial Park – Wednesday 6 March 2024, 10am - 1pm

A fun and free day for children aged 0-6 years and their parents and carers. Includes a jumping castle, face painting, a petting zoo, Wellington Shire Council staff with lots of fun activities. Coffee and ice cream will be available to purchase.

Find the full program of events, including locations, dates and times at www.wellington.vic.gov.au/parks-week.