Illawarra Birders, a thriving birdwatching club with over 120 members, has recently been awarded a Community Grant from Energy Australia. The grant has enabled the purchase of four Wildlife Observation Kits, designed to enhance the experience at the community events hosted or attended by the club.

Each kit contains a high-quality pair of binoculars and a comprehensive Australian Birds field guide, neatly packaged in a durable shoulder bag. These tools are essential for both novice and experienced birdwatchers, providing the means to better observe and identify the rich birdlife of the Illawarra region.

Throughout the year, Illawarra Birders hosts a wide array of small community events, including their long-established monthly walk at the Wollongong Botanic Garden. These walks, along with the club's regular meetings, have become immensely popular among local residents eager to learn more about the area's avian inhabitants. Nearly a thousand people participate in these events annually.

The introduction of the Wildlife Observation Kits addresses a common challenge faced by attendees: the lack of adequate birdwatching equipment. With the kits, participants can now enjoy a more fulfilling and educational birdwatching experience.

David Wilson, Acting Head of Community Engagement at Energy Australia, expressed his support, stating, “Energy Australia is proud to be able to support the Illawarra community through the Tallawarra Community Grants program. We are pleased to support the Illawarra Birders in their efforts to improve awareness and understanding of our local fauna, including on the Tallawarra Lands.”

Ralph Stadus, President of Illawarra Birders, also shared his gratitude: “We are grateful for Energy Australia’s support with this program. We look forward to sharing our knowledge with community groups and members. These Wildlife Observation Kits will greatly assist visitors in observing wildlife at our events. Our program of walks and meetings is on our website, and we welcome interested visitors.”

With the support from Energy Australia, Illawarra Birders continues to foster a deeper connection between the community and the natural world, inspiring a new generation of bird enthusiasts.