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.

Nature

Animals of Oz, organised by PICS each year, will take place at Olive Justice Place in Chapel Street on Saturday, January 6 with two sessions: 10am – 10.50am and 11am – 11.50pm.

The mobile wildlife education programs are fun, interactive and educational, and can captivate the attention of any audience.

Animals of Oz will bring reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals to keep the kids busy and entertained, so they can get up close to them.

This is a popular event enjoyed both by parents and children.

The PICS Celebration and the Animals of Oz have been supported by grants from Bass Coast shire Council.