What date is Earth Hour in 2022?

Earth Hour in 2022 is on Saturday, 26 March.

What is the theme of the SHBG 2022 Earth Hour event?

The theme for the SHBG Earth Hour event is recycling as a message to protect our environment.

We are holding a sculpture competition using 80% recycled materials. Local artists are encouraged to submit their sculpture for exhibition and entry for a prize. Expressions of interested close on 28 February.



When can I see the sculptures?

The public exhibition of sculpture work will be open to the public from Thursday 24 March to Friday 8 April.



Are all the sculptures judged together?

No. There are three categories in the competition.

The Open Section is for sculptures from adult artists, although children are welcome to enter this category.

Two School Sections – Junior and Senior categories. These sections will be judged separately.


Can I vote for my favourite sculpture?

Yes. There is a people’s prize and members of the public are encouraged to vote. You will be given a handout identifying the sculpture entries, together with information of the artist/s, and an opportunity to vote for your favourite. The sculptures with the most public votes will win the people’s prize.



Can I buy a sculpture?

Yes. The sculptures that are for sale will be indicated.



When will the winners of the competition be announced?

The judging of the sculpture competition will take place on Friday 25 March and the winners will be announced on the night of Earth Hour on 26 March at SHBG, just before lights out at 7.30pm.



Does the event cost anything to attend?

Entry to the event is free but you are encouraged to support the development of the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens by making a donation to the volunteer collectors at the gate. You can register to attend the event to help us work out numbers attending https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=594757&


Is there a children’s workshop?

Yes. Children will be guided to make art from recycled material. The Children’s workshop will cost $5/child plus a small booking fee. To book into this workshop https://www.trybooking.com/BVOCS



How do I book in for the children’s workshop?

While workshops are planned to take around 30 minutes each, things don’t always run to schedule. If you don’t make a booking before the commencement of the event, you can do so at the garden.

Bookings can be made on the SHBG website www.shbg.com.au


There are four children’s workshops available at the following times:

Workshop 1 – 5:00pm – 5:30pm

Workshop 2 – 5:30pm – 6:00pm

Workshop 3 – 6:00pm – 6:30pm

Workshop 4 – 6:30pm – 7:00pm

You can book in for the workshops https://www.trybooking.com/BVOCS


Are there any minimum or maximum age requirements for the Children's Workshop?

The Workshop is designed for young people aged 4-15 years old.



What other activities are there on the night of the event?

Apart from the children’s workshop, there will be stalls that will offer advice and services to help you reduce your impact on the planet.

The Recycled Treasure Hunters will be roving around the event encouraging the audience to look at materials differently to reduce our waste. They will also be hosting a Glow Worm Adventure puppet show to entertain children and the young at heart during the lights out period of the night.

The sculpture exhibition can be browsed, and you can vote for your favourite sculpture.

Food will be available to purchase, and a fundraising bar will be open for purchasing drinks, including wine, beer and soft drink.

Live music and dancers will entertain during the evening.

Electricity powered lights will be turned out at 7.30pm, earlier than the official 8.30 Earth Hour commencement time. Lights will come on again at 8.30pm.

The event will officially close at 9pm.



When will it be dark?

On 26 March 2022, dusk will commence around 7.20pm, but it will still be light enough to see (assuming a clear sky).

It will be nearly dark at around 7.50pm and dark at 8.18pm.



When will the lights go out?

Lights will go out at 7.30pm, earlier than the official Earth Hour ‘lights out’ at 8.30pm. We brought it forward to make sure little ones can experience Earth Hour before it gets really dark.


Will there be lighting during the evening?

Lighting will be on-site for parking and entry and exit, once dark.

Once the lights are out at 7.30pm, solar lighting will light up the marked paths if you need to visit the toilets or leave, but please take care and stay on the paths.



Is there anything to be careful of when moving around the Botanic Gardens?

Please be aware that the surface of the grounds is uneven (look out for rabbit holes!). There are marked main paths, but you are welcome to walk onto any part of the site (except fenced off areas) while daylight remains.



What can/should I bring to the event including food and drink?

There will be refreshments - sausage sizzle and other light food, fundraising bar (serving wine, beer and soft drinks) and a water station - at the event. You are encouraged to bring your own refillable water bottle.

You are also very welcome to bring your own picnic food and drinks (including thermos).

For your comfort, we suggest you bring a picnic blanket, fold up chair, a torch or solar light and mobile phone with torch (especially if you need to leave while the lights are still out). Please also bring warm clothing in case the night air turns chilly and wear comfortable shoes.


What happens if there is bad weather?

Weather forecasts will be monitored, and the event will be cancelled if the weather is unsuitable. Every attempt will be made to contact you by email if the event is cancelled. To help enable this, register to attend the event here https://www.trybooking.com/BNNAK.

Notifications will be made via Council's website and the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens Facebook page.



Will I get a refund if the event is cancelled?

Yes.

If you have paid for a children’s workshop, you will receive your money back, unless you choose to have your refund considered a donation to SHBG.



Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

We will have a list of those who have booked in for the workshops so we can check your booking that way. Alternatively, we can see your ticket on your mobile device.

If you have just booked general admission tickets, there is no need to bring a printed ticket.

If you decide you want to take part in the children’s workshop on the night, you can book online using your mobile device on the spot!



What transport/parking options are available?

You are encouraged to walk or cycle to get to this event if you can. There are good walking/cycle paths that lead to the Botanic Gardens from Bowral and Burradoo. You can see a map of the existing cycle paths at http://www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/uploads/823/bowraldetailmap.pdf


If you are driving, there will be parking available outside the Botanic Gardens - entry from Old South Road. Follow the directions of the volunteer parking attendants.



Is there disabled parking?

Yes. Disabled parking is available near the entrance gate. Ask the traffic controller for directions.



Can I bring my dog to the event?

No, dogs are not permitted within the fenced area of the Botanic Gardens site.


Are there toilets at the event?

Yes, there are toilets, including accessible toilets in the Botanic Gardens building.



What arrangements will there be for waste disposal?

We try to produce as little waste as possible from the event, you are encouraged to take your own waste home with you to dispose thoughtfully.

There will be bins for clearly marked for recycling and general waste available on the night. We also want to make sure there is no rubbish left around the Gardens for volunteers to have to clean up after the event.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Leading up to the event you can contact the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens on (business hours) or info@shbg.com.au

On the day of the event you can contact our admin manager Anne Goodman on 0456 752595

Please contact us if you need further information about accessing the event.

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