URGENT UPDATE: The Bilpin community is gearing up for a major celebration of its natural and cultural heritage with the launch of Wollemi Walks from Bilpin – Book 2 on Sunday, November 30, 2023. The event will take place at the Bilpin District Hall, starting at 2:30 PM with afternoon tea, followed by the book launch program from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
This celebration presents a unique opportunity for locals and visitors to engage with Bilpin’s rich environmental history while unveiling a groundbreaking new volume that expands on the highly successful Book 1 released in 2024.
Wollemi Walks from Bilpin – Book 2 features an impressive 596 pages packed with 28 never-before-published bushwalks, alongside a concise history of Bilpin and insights into the local logging and sawmilling heritage. Lavishly illustrated with hundreds of color photographs and maps, this book captures the essence of exploration and connection to the stunning landscapes of the Wollemi region.
The authors, Yuri Bolotin, Michael Keats, and Brian Fox, have meticulously documented the area’s extraordinary diversity—from dramatic gorges and waterfalls to remnants of Aboriginal heritage and early European settlement. Their work showcases the breathtaking natural beauty that has defined Bilpin for generations.
The launch event promises an engaging program combining history, science, and storytelling. Highlights include:
– A presentation by Ros Allatt, daughter of local historian Meredyth Hungerford, discussing her mother’s pivotal research on Bilpin’s history.
– A talk by botanist and ecologist Greg Bourke on the forest diversity of the area.
– A Q&A session titled Bilpin Timbergetting Tales, featuring stories from Bill Johnson, Ron Ness, Maine Powell, Jim Newton, and Lionel Buckett, facilitated by Brian Fox.
– A captivating percussion storytelling performance by Cory Hills from the USA.
– A presentation by Yuri Bolotin on hidden landscapes and geological features, contributing to the inspiration behind the Wollemi Walks series.
The event will be held at Bilpin District Hall, located on Bells Line of Road, Bilpin. Due to limited capacity, early RSVP is required via email at [email protected].
As the Wollemi Walks series expands, it reveals the intricate beauty, complexity, and history of one of New South Wales’ most captivating regions. This celebration not only honors the past but also invites the community to connect deeply with Bilpin’s landscape and its enduring stories.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of Bilpin’s vibrant heritage celebration!
