Operation Bluetongue

Operation Bluetongue is giving recently arrived migrants and refugees a chance to understand Australia's unique biodiversity and provide actions individuals can take to protect the environment, as well as take part in a 'hands on' eco-field trip.

Launched in September 2007 the project, which is coordinated by the Ethnic Communities Council of NSW (ECC), hosts environmental workshops and field trips for people who have been in Australia for less than five years.

People who join the field trips have the opportunity to connect with a patch of bush in their local area by being welcomed to country by a traditional Aboriginal owner of the land, interacting with native Australian animals such as ringtail possums, green tree frogs, blue tongue lizards, and large diamond pythons, and planting a tree or taking an eco-walk.

The 12 month project is working with local councils, community groups, English language students and migrant resource centres to organise activities in Western Sydney.

Operation Bluetongue is funded by a grant from the NSW Government's Environmental Trust.

For more information:

• visit the ECC website
• contact Leandro Mendes by
  email bluetongue@eccnsw.org.au or phone 02 9319 0288
• visit the Environmental Trust website
• visit livingthing.net.au