Dawson's burrowing bee makes a buzz at Gwoonwardu Mia community day

Funded by the Foundation for the WA Museum Impact Circle Grant, the event encouraged the community to celebrate the cultural significance of the region's Mungurragurra, known as the Dawson's burrowing bee species.

Cultural knowledge holder Toni Roe shared captivating stories passed down to her by her elders, emphasising the importance of protecting these magnificent and unique bees that call the Gascoyne region home.

The travelling exhibition WA Museum in a Container gave visitors the opportunity to observe the burrowing bee up close, with WA Museum Curator of Entomology Dr Nik Tatarnic hosting an information session for community members to learn the science behind the bee's significance.

Gwoonwardu Mia regional manager Barry Bellotti said the team were thrilled to witness the incredible interest and enthusiasm generated by the Mungurragurra Burrowing Bee Community Day.

"This event serves as a testament to the Gascoyne region's dedication to preserving its cultural heritage and unique biodiversity," he said.

"We are proud to support initiatives like these that foster community engagement and education."

The event included the launch of an all-new interactive experience, which allows visitors to create their own animated Burrowing Bee to be included in a visual exhibition.

Gwoonwardu Mia's Community Day also saw the launch of the Mungurragurra Burrowing Bee Educational Program.

The program will enable educators to incorporate engaging hands-on burrowing bee activities into their curriculum with a loan box which includes educational resources, specimens and informative materials.

WA Museum Director of Regions Jessica Machin said she appreciated the community's enthusiasm for the event and highlighted the creative way it incorporated cultural heritage and biodiversity.

"The Mungurragurra Burrowing Bee Community Day is a remarkable example of how cultural heritage, biodiversity, and community engagement can be beautifully intertwined," she said.

"It is a testament to the commitment of the Gascoyne region and the WA Museum to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of our natural world."