3000 flock to expo

MORE than 3000 people attended Kiama Councils Sustainable Living Expo at Hindmarsh Park on Saturday.

The event showcased 45 stalls with a common theme - health, the environment and waste minimisation.

After an initial postponement, the threat of rain held off long enough for the event to be a big success for organisers.

Its great to see so many people and families here today learning about sustainable living, said one of the event organisers Marianne Jones.

Exuberant performers were one way of getting the healthy eating across to the expos younger attendants.

Performers from Eaton Gorge Theatre Company played characters from planet Orbitron, with a shiny Mechismo and two sidekicks teaching youngsters about the importance of a balanced diet and nutrition.

The expos Streamwatch stall proved a crowdpleaser, showing children the biodiversity that clean waterways can bring through an interactive display of assorted creatures.

Kiama? Mayor Sandra McCarthy and councillor Trevor Fredericks were on hand to announce the winners of councils Young Artists Recycled Art Competition and recipients of the years Sustainable Living Grants.

Council received 17 applications for the grants which are worth up to $1500 each.

The successful applicants included Gerringong Public School, who received $1500 for new cricket nets.

Minnamurra Public School received the same amount for a bee tree garden and Werri Beach Dunecare group was granted $165 to assist with revegetation and weed control work on Werri Beach.

When presenting the grants, Cr McCarthy said the Expo reached further than just awareness of the natural environment, Its contributing to the environment of our community, she said.