August is Platypus Month in The Hills, a perfect time to discover the simple ways you can support our native platypus population.
To help, The Hills Shire Council is bringing back its popular platypus workshop series, which educates residents on practical ways to protect these unique animals.
This follows the exciting discovery of a platypus named 'Bluey' in the Cattai Creek Catchment in 2023, the first capture and release of an egg-laying mammal in the area in 25 years.
In addition to the workshops, Council is also involved in land restoration works and is actively supporting the efforts of the Cattai Hills Environment Network (CHEN), a local volunteer group, and a research team from Western Sydney University led by Senior Lecturer Dr Michelle Ryan. This team has made a significant discovery of many healthy platypuses in the Cattai Catchment area, which stretches from Castle Hill to Cattai.
Dr Ryan and researcher Katherine Warwick will give special talks as part of Platypus Month.
Dr Ryan said everyone has a role in protecting these native animals.
"From activities at home and school to local parks, there are many ways you and your family can help maintain healthy waterways for our beloved platypuses," Dr Ryan said.
"Council's free workshop series is one way to learn more about what we can all do to ensure their survival for generations to come."
FREE workshops happening in August include:
Platypus Discovery in The Hills- Taking Action on Thursday 1 August, 5.30pm–7.30pm at Annangrove Community Environment Centre: Come and celebrate the launch of Platypus Month by hearing from citizen scientists, environmental groups, and researchers about the discovery of platypus in the Hills, what we are doing now to preserve this population and how you can get involved! FREE light supper, as well as stalls and networking opportunities. Suitable for adults and families. Cost: FREE.
Caring for our Platypus and their Habitat on Friday 9 August, 10am-12pm at Castle Hill Library: Learn about these amazing monotremes and their natural habitat from leading Western Sydney Senior Lecturer Dr Michelle Ryan. Discover ways in which you can help our platypus population in your backyard and our community. Suitable for adults. Cost: FREE.
Platypus Playdate on Friday 9 August, 10am-11.30am at Annangrove Community Environment Centre: Come and join fun activities for kids, including a short story, a game and some colouring in! Suitable for kids aged 2-10 years and families. Cost: Adults FREE, Children $14.55
Caring for our Platypus and the World of Waterbugs Little Eco Warriors Event on Thursday 15 August, 3.30pm-4.30pm at Castle Hill Library: Children can enjoy an educational talk and activities about platypuses, their diet of tiny waterbugs, and how they contribute to the health of our waterways. Join us for a fun, interactive waterbug activity! Suitable for children. Cost: FREE.
Platypus Bushcare event on Sunday 18 August 9am-12pm at Connelly Way in Kellyville: Help Council and Bushcare volunteers remove invasive weeds along the Cattai Creek Catchment and plant native species suitable to support a platypus habitat. Hear from researcher Dr Ryan about platypus in The Hills and learn about the community water quality monitoring, Streamwatch, and waterbug program. Enjoy a FREE barbecue after all the hard work.
To find out more about Platypus month, visit Council's website, www.thehills.nsw.gov.au, and search 'Platypus' in the Community and Council Event Directory.
Ongoing opportunities to help the platypus:
Platypus Bushcare
Platypus Bushcare focuses on restoring potential platypus habitats along Cattai Creek, a key waterway where platypuses are known to reside. Their efforts include planting, mulching, and weeding to create a healthier habitat for the local platypus population. Platypus Bushcare is held once a month at Connelly Way, in Kellyville. No experience is necessary, but Council does encourage participants to register via Council's website (www.thehills.nsw.gov.au) and by searching 'Platypus Bushcare'.
Platypus Landcare
