A unique and culturally significant Gascoyne Bee species made a buzz at the Gwoonwardu Mia's Mungurragurra Burrowing bee community day.
The event on 24 June, funded by the Foundation for the WA Museum Impact Circle Grant, encouraged the community to celebrate the cultural significance of the region's Mungurragurra, known as the Dawson's Burrowing Bee species.
Highly respected cultural knowledge holder, Toni Roe, shared captivating stories passed down to her by her Elders, emphasising the importance of protecting these magnificent and unique bees that call the Gascoyne region home.
The travelling exhibition - WA Museum in a Container - gave visitors the opportunity to observe the Burrowing Bee up close, with WA Museum Curator of Entomology Dr Nik Tatarnic hosting an information session for community members to learn the science behind the bee's significance.
The team were thrilled to witness the incredible interest and enthusiasm generated by the Mungurragurra Burrowing Bee Community Day, said Gwoonwardu Mia Regional Manager Barry Bellotti.
"This event serves as a testament to the Gascoyne region's dedication to preserving its cultural heritage and unique biodiversity," he said.
"We are proud to support initiatives like these that foster community engagement and education."
Jessica Machin, WA Museum Director of Regions, said she appreciated the community's enthusiasm for the event and highlighted the creative way it incorporated cultural heritage and biodiversity.
"The Mungurragurra Burrowing Bee Community Day is a remarkable example of how cultural heritage, biodiversity, and community engagement can be beautifully intertwined," she said.
"It is a testament to the commitment of the Gascoyne region and the WA Museum to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of our natural world."
The event included the launch of an all-new interactive experience, which allows visitors to create their own animated Burrowing Bee, as well as the launch of the Mungurragurra Burrowing Bee Educational Program.
The program enables educators to incorporate engaging hands-on Burrowing Bee activities into their curriculum through the facilitation of a Loan Box, which includes educational resources, specimens, and informative materials.
