The Minlagawi Nature Festival once again proved a highlight of the spring school holidays, attracting more than 180 attendees to Minlagawi Gum Flat Reserve on Thursday, 2 October.

The family-friendly event was filled with hands-on activities designed to inspire creativity, strengthen cultural connections, and celebrate the natural environment.

Children lined up for Narungga forehead face painting with Mia, Brianna and Madison Warrior, while Bianca Newchurch and Lisa Weetra from the Nharangga Aboriginal Progress Association guided families through colourful rock painting.

The Enabling Communities Hub created a calm and welcoming space with sensory nature fidget sticks, a community connection tree and a quiet corner, while Robyn Schwarz of Carbery Flowers delighted children with whimsical fairy gardens.

Katie Hughes from Yorke Peninsula Learning & Care encouraged creativity with nature craft faces, and members of Leisure Options not only engaged in festival activities but also contributed handmade envelopes of dried native saltbush for families to take home.

Conservation was a strong focus, with Fabienne Dee of the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board and the Marna Banggara project introducing families to Crickets the Bearded Dragon, one of many species benefiting from improved conservation outcomes, with support from Lowan Coe.

Creativity continued with Louise Hanrahan of Minlaton District Early Learning Centre, who helped children make nature warrior arm bands and bracelets, while Liam Smith and Bowie Williams brought rhythm to the reserve with earth drums, with Liam also performing two nature songs on guitar.

Robyn Clashom encouraged children to craft nature crowns, and Jasmine Swales of Studio Surf and Art Kids worked with families on quandong branch lino carvings to create block-printed cards.

Acrobatics and circus entertainment from Molly Flanagan of Yorke Peninsula Council and Country Arts SA kept crowds entertained, while Council also hosted the popular wardli cubby build.

Council Environment Officer Letitia Dahl-helm said the festival is a unique celebration of community, culture and the environment.

“It was wonderful to see so many families enjoying Minlagawi together,” Ms Dahl-helm said.

“Every activity encouraged children and adults to connect with nature in fun and creative ways, while also learning about Narungga culture and the value of Minlagawi.”

She said the success of the festival was thanks to strong partnerships.

“We are so grateful to all the local organisations, groups and volunteers who contributed their time and talents – this festival wouldn’t be possible without them.”

The event was proudly supported by the Nharangga Aboriginal Progress Association and Yorke Peninsula Council.