The Bush Bus was recently named the Victorian People's Choice Award winner in the Community Achievement Awards.
The Bush Bus is a mobile nature playgroup and family program that began in 2019 and has so far welcomed over 21,000 participants.
Anyone with preschool-aged children can join the free groups which provide a chance for connection between children, carers and nature.
Nature-inspired activities are held in a bush or park setting with activities like arts and crafts, water, mud and puddle play, sensory imaginative play, educational nature walks and social activities.
Bush Bus spokesperson Georgina Dymock said the award meant so much to all the people that had been involved in or supported the delivery of the program.
“We thank everyone who voted for us — we love that they love The Bush Bus and that so many people took the time to support us, Ms Dymock said.
“The value of being connected to your local community and natural environment has been well documented and acknowledged as vital components of the physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of children and adults alike and we wanted to bring our special program to families in a fun, relaxed way.”
The program addresses a resource gap in areas where various issues and challenges, such as social and financial disadvantages along with natural disasters, are faced by families.
The Bush Bus would like to thank its Victorian funding partners, Frasers Property Australia, Community Bank — Wallan, Kilmore and Broadford, Wellington Square Shopping Centre and Tooborac Primary School and the NSW Government in New South Wales, who make the free play group possible.
The Bush Bus is currently operating in six locations across Victoria and NSW, but is looking at plans to bring it to more areas.
To view a current timetable, visit www.facebook.com.au/thebushbus