The Gerringong Passport for Kids is now available for families to enjoy finding out more about the area they call home, or are just visiting.

Inspired by the Kiama Passport for Kids, produced by Melissa Mylchreest of Rewilding Life, Gerringong & District Historical Society Secretary Joy Fullagar and member Bernadette Murphy have given Gerringong its own adventure with Melissa’s help.

“It’s about encouraging children to be out and about and learning about their local area. It is an interactive little thing where children go to several different areas in and around Gerringong, read the information on it, and then do activities around it,” says Joy.

“And because we have a lovely new museum at Gerringong, it is also about linking some of the information to the museum if they want to find out more.”

The book is filled with lots of colouring and other activities on such things as local sporting heroes, fossils at Blackhead Reserve, shipwrecks and whale spotting, and of course Kingsford Smith taking off from Seven Mile Beach.

Joy says it is not only aimed at local children.

“We also think it would be really good for holiday makers who come down to our beautiful Gerringong area. They could pick up the book for something to do and learn more about the area.”

The books are designed as family activities

The project was supported by Create NSW’s Cultural Grants Program, and received donations from Gerringong Rotary, DJ Hobbs Panel and Paint, and the Gerroa Fisherman’s Club.

Principal of Gerringong Public School, Kristie Goldthorp, describes the book as a wonderful resource to explore and learn about our local community. 

“I know our students and my grandchildren will love working through this passport. And the staff are looking forward to working with local elders and the Gerringong and District Historical Society, through the Museum and Library, to discover more about our local history,” Ms Goldthorp says.

A year six student part of the leadership team from the School, Harper Payne, says “I feel like it is really important that we know the history of Gerringong and it is books like these that help us learn about the place we live in.”

The Passport is available initially for $15 at Gerringong Library & Museum when attended by members, with hopes it may soon be displayed at local businesses.