Spring into Sustainability - community invited to get involved

Published on 01 September 2026

The Rural City of Wangaratta is inviting residents to get involved in a new three-month sustainability program designed to inspire practical environmental action across the community.

Spring into Sustainability will replace the long-running March into Sustainability initiative, expanding activities across September, October, and November to create more opportunities for community participation, partnerships, and local events.

Popular annual events held in March, including the Autumn Harvest Festival and Clean Up Australia Day, will continue to be supported by Council as part of its broader sustainability calendar.

Mayor Cr Irene Grant: "From the Ovens and King rivers to our parks, wetlands and rural landscapes, Wangaratta's natural environment is one of our community's greatest assets.”

"Spring into Sustainability is about celebrating that connection to place while giving residents practical opportunities to learn new skills, support local environmental initiatives and help care for the places we value."

This year's inaugural Spring into Sustainability program features citizen science projects, environmental workshops, community partnerships, and educational activities for all ages.

The program begins on Thursday 10 September with a special Spring into Sustainability edition of the Wangaratta Library's Story Walk along Docker Street. Children can follow Save the Gum Trees, Bees and the Big Blue Seas, a colourful story that celebrates nature and encourages young readers to care for the environment. The Story Walk combines reading and gentle physical activity, with pages displayed along the path for participants to discover and enjoy at their own pace.

During National Recycling Week in November, Council will offer free tours of its Organics Waste Facility, while Wangaratta Art Gallery's Sunshine and Shadows exhibition will showcase the stories of the threatened Golden Sun Moth and Bogong Moth from September until November. There is also an opportunity to meet the Environment & Sustainability team to discuss local initiatives at the Wangaratta Farmers Market on 12 September.

The community is also encouraged to participate in a range of national and community-led citizen science initiatives throughout spring, including National Biodiversity Month, Platypus Month, Ride2Work Day, the Aussie Bird Count, and FrogID Week.

Additional events and activities may be added throughout the season, and residents are encouraged to follow Council's communication channels for updates.

For event details, and bookings visit www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/spring-into-sustainability