School Holidays: Noticing Our Urban Birds Workshop

Join us in discovering the remarkable Australian native birds in our backyard, local parks, and streets with CBCA award-winning illustrator and author Astred Hicks and ornithologist Dr Holly Parsons.

Together, Astred and Holly will explore what's so fancy about this bird and what's so clever about that bird through games. There will also be a reading of their 2026 CBCA Book of the Year Awards Notable book, This Bird, and children will also receive a very special illustration lesson!

Together, you may find you don’t need to go far to see intriguing birds, even in the city. From colourful parrots to artistic bowerbirds and fancy fairy-wrens, there’s lots to notice in our local backyards, streets and parks.

Astred Hicks is a best-selling illustrator, highly awarded book designer, children’s author and bird nerd. She is excited about noticing the world around her and hopes to inspire others to do the same.

Dr. Holly Parsons is a bird-loving scientist who spends her days studying the amazing Australian bird life that live in our towns and cities, and enjoys sharing her passion with everyone she meets.

This event is for children aged 8–12. Children who are not within this age range will not be permitted into the event. Carers are welcome to join.

Photos and video may be taken during the event and shared across the library's and Council's communication channels (including but not limited to social media and eNewsletters). Please notify a staff member if you do not wish to be photographed or filmed.