Though it’s been running for more than 15 years, Gulf Kids Day continues to grow in reach and impact. By combining science and creativity, it gives young people from some of Queensland’s most remote communities a chance to learn, connect and fall in love with the environment.
Gulf Savannah NRM’s legacy event Gulf Kids Day once again offered a gathering place for learning, laughter and connection.
On Thursday August 28, the usually quiet town of Croydon was buzzing with energy as 122 students from five schools explored science, the arts and agriculture through hands-on workshops and outdoor games.
This year’s theme — World Environment Day — inspired activities that ranged from giant bug encounters and “soil explosions” to original artmaking and farm-to-table field games.
While the abundance of children’s laughter was a clear sign of the day’s success, the event carried a deeper purpose: connection.
Croydon State School principal Steven Simms said Gulf Kids gives students a rare chance to step outside their usual routines and build new friendships.
“Not only does it give the kids a bit of an idea [about science and the environment] with the fun activities, it also brings other schools in and gives them engagement from different people they’re not used to seeing,” Mr Simms said.
Student helper Christine from Forsayth State School agreed.
“We only have four students at our school, so they don’t have a lot of opportunities to interact with other kids,” she said. “Today has been amazing, mostly for the interaction while doing activities.”
Spanning 29,538 square kilometres, Croydon Shire is nearly half the size of Tasmania but home to just 266 people.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2022 census, only 49 of those residents are 14 years of age and younger.
More than 500 kilometres from Cairns, opportunities for large-scale, hands-on learning are therefore few and far between. Yet despite the hot, dry conditions — and a landscape where there are more cattle than kids — students threw themselves into the program with enthusiasm.
Among the highlights was a water-filtration activity led by Oceane Dupont, Gulf Savannah NRM’s newly appointed Biodiversity Officer.
“I was surprised by how much the kids already knew about water and filtration, because that’s what they’re used to here in the Gulf. They take all their water from the rivers and dams, and then they filter it — that’s how they get clean water,” Ms Dupont said. “They are pretty switched on, they do know how it works — they were running around getting other things that weren’t supposed to be filtered and trying them. Some were a success, some were not!”
Local artist Rebekah Haase from Georgetown guided students through a stamping-art workshop, encouraging creativity in a region where formal art programs are scarce.
Using native leaves, seeds and flowers, students learned to press these unique materials into paper and create their very own bush-inspired designs.
“There are always some kids in the group you can tell are in their element, and there are others who are still discovering what it’s actually like to do something creative with stamping art,” Ms Haase said. “It’s eye opening for them, and helps them consider what they might like to do at home more too.”
No single activity claimed the title of “biggest hit,” but the MiniBeasts Wildlife display was a strong contender. Students met scorpions, centipedes, spiders and praying mantises up close — some braving a gentle touch while others admired from a safe distance.
Encounters with native wildlife such as this help children see these creatures as a natural part of their world, reducing fear and fostering an early appreciation for the environment.
Teachers and supervisors were equally impressed, noting the value in this experience.
“We learnt that centipedes aren’t actually dangerous,” Croydon State School teacher Pam said. “We don’t need to kill them!”
To fuel the fun, organisers put on a barbecue feast, serving more than 30 kilograms of fresh food to hungry participants. With appetites satisfied, students and staff took a moment to reflect on the day and share their thoughts on the event.
“I’d just like to thank the team at Gulf Savannah for all the work they’ve put into this,” principal Simms said. “We really do appreciate you guys coming out here and doing something different to engage with the kids.”
