GBSAN Schools Project

Bell’s Turtle hatchling

Great news! We have received funding from the Philanthropist group NED (Nurturing Evolutionary Development) to implement our year-long GBSAN/Ballandean SS Bell’s Turtle Project. This will include visits to the school by specialists including – Ecologists, Dr Darren Fielder and Dr Lou Streeting as well as seed collection and plant propagation with Sarah Caldwell, Mole River Native Nursery. A revegetation project along Accommodation Creek with the plants raised by the students with Sarah’s help will take place. Our Bushcare group will work with the school community with weed specialist, Andrew Pengelly and the school will learn about the cultural significance of the area and the turtle with Kambuwal Corporation elder, Selena Griffin. She will also work with the students to create an art installation. The year 6 students will also work with a local artist, Barb Benham to create a legacy project for the school. Thanks go to NED who are supporting us with grant funds.

All of this will be videoed by the students with videographer, Andrew Johnson to produce a film that will have a showing to the community at the end of 2026.

The school community is totally gripped by turtle frenzy after visiting the University of New England Turtle Hatchery. Dr Lou and her team welcomed us with great information (she had done her homework and congratulated Ballandean on having a significant reptile.)

The Bell’s Turtles only occur in our backyard

Getting up close with the baby Bell’s turtles.

Some were hatching right in front of us.

For more information or to get involved, please contact Geraldine at community@gbsan.org.au.

For more information or to get involved, please contact Geraldine at community@gbsan.org.au.