From January 5 to January 25, the school holiday program will encompass the Echuca, Kyabram, Rochester, Rushworth and Tongala library branches.
Campaspe Shire Council’s general manager of development Paul McKenzie said the program was always well received and would be just as popular this year.
“Kaleidoscope making, sand art, puppet shows, and many more fun activities for the kids will be on offer,” he said.
“We are also fortunate enough to be involved in the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Kids on Tour sessions. These sessions teach children the stories behind artworks currently on display at the NGV, which then sparks a fun activity drawing on the artwork’s message.”
One of these activities is We Are Mermaids with Djerrkŋu Yunupiŋu. In this arts and craft activity children will take inspiration from the mermaid story depicted in the bark paintings of Djerrkŋu Yunupiŋu, a contemporary Yolŋu artist from Yirrkala, North-East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory whose work is the subject of the NGV Kids exhibition The Gecko and the Mermaid: Djerrkŋu Yunupiŋu and Her Sister.
The activity encourages young artists to draw a self-portrait of themselves as a mermaid and create a three-dimensional diorama of an ocean-inspired world where a mermaid would live.
This year’s NGV Kids on Tour is supported by The Neumann Auster Family and Friends and the Packer Family and Crown Resorts Foundations as part of the Your NGV Arts Access Program for Students, Children and Families.
Mr McKenzie said all sessions aligned with state government COVID-19 guidelines.
“We ask community members to do the right thing and not attend an activity session if they’re unwell. If you do find yourself under the weather, please advise library staff of your cancellation.”
All sessions are free of charge and all activity materials will be provided, unless otherwise noted, and children under 10 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
There are limited numbers for participants for each session, so bookings are essential, by visiting the Campaspe Libraries website, in-person at any branch or by calling 5481 2400.
The full school holiday program itinerary is on the Campaspe Libraries website.