Conservation Society's 55th anniversary

It was in 1968 when the environmentally sensitive Rhyll Inlet was threatened with a Marina proposal that the Phillip Island Conservation Society (PICS) was formed.

The Society decided to wait to celebrate the 55 years since its beginning until the completion of the new building, Berninneit, and two days of events are now planned there on Friday January 5 and Saturday January 6.

The community is invited to come and help celebrate the society’s achievements.

On the two days, from 10am to 4pm on the Friday and 10am to 2pm on the Saturday, banners will tell the history of PICS achievements and challenges over the last 55 years.

There will be some free give-aways.

On Friday, Creative Children’s activities with Camille Monet will be held from 11am – 12pm, with a second session from 1pm – 2pm. All children are welcome to come along.

On Saturday between 10am and 2pm there will be a series of talks given by PICS Members.

The talks will include: Salt Water Creek, 500 Million Years on Phillip Island, Saving Westernport, Coastcare, Planning and the Summerlands Buy-back.

“Visitors and locals will find the talks very informative,” a PICS spokesperson said.

“Many tell how strong community action through PICS has been successful in opposing developments over half a century, that would have had a detrimental impact on the precious natural assets of the Island.”

The PICS AGM will follow at 2pm.