Festive spirit to Noosa’s wallum

Noosa’s Wallum Festival, presented by the Noosa Integrated Catchment Association (NICA), will be held at the Bicentennial Hall annex from 25-27 August.
Mareene Hutchings, pictured, is one of many artists and craftspeople inspired by the natural environment of Noosa’s wallum who will contribute to the festival.
As a member of the Noosa Arts and Crafts Association, she works with paper made from local materials and paints books with images inspired by Noosa’s natural environment.
The festival is for residents who want to know more about where they live. A free community event on Friday afternoon from 2pm will include a bushwalk, music, a welcome to country, wallum plants for sale and a bush foods tasting. There will be demonstrations and displays of wallum-inspired art.
On Saturday and Sunday, the festival continues with 12 speakers, displays and demonstrations, guided wildflower walks, morning teas and lunches, plus dinner at the River Deck Restaurant with keynote speaker Lawrie Smith OAM landscape architect and gardens designer. For bookings and the full program, visit the NICA website on www.noosariver.com.au.