Emerald Museum to host Australian Heritage Festival and Teddy Bears’ Picnic in April

Ranges Ward Councillor Jeff Springfield enjoyed a teddy bears’ picnic with his nephew, Leo, and Emerald Museum Officer, Natalie Bradvica, ahead of the Australian Heritage Festival this April. PICTURE: SUPPLIED

Cardinia Shire Council is inviting people to celebrate the Australian Heritage Festival at Emerald Museum.

The 2023 Australian Heritage Festival theme is Shared stories, inviting the community to uncover Australia’s layered history and build deeper connections by sharing their own rich and diverse stories.

Discover the rich histories of Emerald, home to a heritage-listed site of state significance, and surrounding districts. This includes the former Gembrook/C. A. Nobelius & Sons Nursery: once the largest fruit and ornamental tree exporter in the southern hemisphere.

The event will include a variety of free family-friendly activities, including:

10:30am – 11:30am: Teddy Bears’ Picnic. Meet the 100-year-old teddy living at the Emerald Museum. Registrations required. Food provided. BYO rug (SOLD OUT)

1pm – 2pm: Nobelius Heritage Park Guided Walking Tour: traverse centuries of horticultural history with experienced landscape architect, Barrie Gallacher. Registrations recommended

lucky door prize: guess the number of lollies in our jar to win a special family pass to the Puffing Billy Railway. No registration required

colouring in: unwind by colouring in pictures inspired by the beautiful Nobelius plant catalogues. No registration required.

The Australian Heritage Festival will take place on Wednesday 19 April 2023 from 10.30am – 2.00pm at Emerald Museum.

The Emerald Museum is located at 5 Crichton Road in Emerald.

For more information, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au