Parks Victoria park ranger Mike said it’s the first time it has been held in Bendigo and the program is a way for kids to get out into the bush to learn about the environment.

“We want to create awareness about the parks, about the positive and negative aspects, the importance of the eco-sytems and the animals that are out here in the bush,” park ranger Mike said.

“We run a variety of activities to teach kids about the environment and everything from ecology to waste management.”

During the program junior rangers were shown a range of artefacts from the Victorian bush and learned about the creation of native tools and weapons.

Dja Dja Wurrung ranger Andrew showed the junior rangers various artefacts and explained their purpose to the land and how they are used.

They included red ochre clay earth pigment which is used for body paint, axe-heads made from stone native to Victoria and and an explanation on the use of boomerangs.

Dja Dja Wurrung ranger Sharnie explained how bark from trees can be turned into various objects such as vessels to transport water.

The program also included a cultural adventure through the bush to demonstrate to the junior rangers that it’s literally “natures supermarket”.

The junior rangers were able to get up close with various insects as well as learn the importance of safety when out in the bush.

Steve Suhr, from Brisbane said he has been travelling around Australia with his family and the program was a great opportunity to teach his son Eddie about Victoria’s bushland.

“It’s so great to get out into the bush so the kids can learn about all the different aspects of what’s out here,” Mr Suhr said.

Mr Suhr said it was great to see the flora and fauna of the Victorian bushland.

For more information please visit www.juniorrangers.com.au or call Parks Victoria on 13 1963.