NSW
Sydney’s Hills Shire Council is bringing back its popular platypus workshop series, which educates residents on practical ways to protect the unique animals.
The move follows the discovery of a platypus named ‘Bluey’ in the Cattai Creek Catchment in 2023, the first capture and release of an egg-laying mammal in the area in 25 years.
In addition to the workshops, Council is also involved in land restoration works and is actively supporting the efforts of the Cattai Hills Environment Network (CHEN), a local volunteer group, and a research team from Western Sydney University led by Senior Lecturer Dr Michelle Ryan.
The Council says this team has made a significant discovery of many healthy platypuses in the Cattai Catchment area, which stretches from Castle Hill to Cattai.
Dr Ryan and researcher, Katherine Warwick, will give special talks as part of Platypus Month in August.
Dr Ryan said everyone has a role in protecting these native animals.
“From activities at home and school to local parks, there are many ways you and your family can help maintain healthy waterways for our beloved platypuses,” she said.
“Council’s free workshop series is one way to learn more about what we can all do to ensure their survival for generations to come.”
