Mobile ECEC nature program wins Victorian People’s Choice Award

The Bush Bus, a mobile nature program that hosts free playgroup sessions for preschool aged children to participate in nature-inspired activities, has won the People’s Choice Award in the 2022 Community Achievement Awards in November.

Activities offered by the Bush Bus include arts and crafts, water, mud and puddle play, sensory imaginative play, educational nature walks and social activities, which Founder Georgina Dymock said not only helped promote the healthy development and wellbeing of children and young people, but also encouraged environmental awareness, offered opportunities for social inclusion and English immersion and provided a ‘soft entry’ into community activities for families post COVID-19.

Since planning for the Bush Bus began over four years ago, more than 21,000 children and families have enjoyed its services, and the win means that now more than ever, the Bus is truly “people powered”. 

“This award means so much to us, our families, our Bush Bus Buddies and everyone who has supported us in delivering our program,” Ms Dymock told local news source The North Central Review. 

With the ongoing pressures for families in terms of the rising cost of living, coupled with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters such as fires and flooding, many families are needing low cost opportunities to reconnect and strengthen their communities. 

“Parents are finding support both socially and with their mental health. People feel like they matter,” Ms Dymock said. 

The Bush Bus currently operates in six locations across Victoria and NSW, free of charge, thanks to funding support from partners Frasers Property Australia, Community Bank Wallan, Kilmore and Broadford, Wellington Square Shopping Centre, Tooborac Primary School and the NSW Government in New South Wales.

The Bush Bus would ideally love to operate in every state and municipality in Australia, Ms Dymock said. To learn more about the existing program, please see here.