Landcare had been approached several times regarding expansion of the day and that was planned for 2019, which had previously hosted representatives from each school, totalling around 100 children from Stage 3. Sometimes things that we are eager to happen, work out even better a year later!

Thanks to contributions of grants from Central West Local Land Services Resilient Community Small Grants, Country Art Support Program (CASP), Landcare NSW 'Working Together' Small Grants, contributions from volunteers and coordinator support through the NSW Landcare Program, it all came together this year!

After a Welcome to Country from Elder Aileen Allen and Yarrangirri, students moved off in class groups to ten educational and creative workshops were provided in the morning session for students.

Our afternoon session was a chance to hear from special guest Costa Georgiadis!

Students were inspired and encouraged by Costa to be the change makers and work at things that they are passionate about.

He reminded the children that he did not start out life planning to be a television host on Gardening Australia!

Central West Lachlan Landcare are looking forward to hosting Eco Day in 2022! Yes, we are already thinking about it. A big thank you to our amazing volunteers, the Forbes PA & H Association, NorthParkes Mine, Netwaste, Ro Burns, Weston Fence, FishCare, Larry Brandy, Lake Cowal Foundation, Parkes Shire Council and the staff and students of Parkes Public School, Parkes East Public School, Middleton Public School, Holy Family Primary School, Parkes Christian School, Bogan Gate Public School, Tullamore Central School, Bedgerabong Public School, Eugowra Public School, Forbes North Public School, Forbes Public School and St Laurence's Parish School.

Floral arrangements from our dinner on Friday evening. $541 raised for Parkes and Forbes Can Assist. Once again, a big thank you to the Hain family for donating these gorgeous eucalypts.

Thank you to our communities for making Costa Georgiadis feel so welcome at our Dinner at Forbes Town Hall and at the Forbes Riverside Community Garden Open Day.

He did blow us away with his generosity of time and the way he engaged with everyone.

The overwhelming consensus was that Costa is welcome back any time!

For further information on this article, please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram @cwllandcare