• Free cross-cultural community event at Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie celebrates International Gulan (Bat) Night on Sunday 25 August

Charles Sturt University is hosting a free community event at the campus in Port Macquarie to celebrate International Gulan (Bat) Night on Sunday 25 August from 4pm to 7.30pm.

Director of External Engagement (Port Macquarie) Ms Kate Wood-Foye said this event forms part of the International Gulan (Bat) Night event held each year in August and offers a unique opportunity to witness and learn about ‘microbats’ and discover ways to support their conservation.

“The event will be led by Lecturer in Ecology Dr Anke Frank in the Charles Sturt School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences in Port Macquarie and is supported by a Charles Sturt Sustainability Grant and the Engagement and Faculty of Science and Health teams,” Ms Wood-Foye said.

“I’m delighted the event brings together a range of organisations and experts with ecological skills including how to identify and trap microbats.”

Dr Frank said while bats are often associated with evil in Western cultures, microbats hold cultural significance for the Birpai People of the Mid North Coast and are considered symbols of good luck in some Asian cultures.

“This event aims to raise awareness and demystify microbats - these captivating aerial acrobats which are called ‘gulan’ in the Gathang language spoken by Birpai People,” Dr Frank said.

“The International Bat Night originated in Europe in 1997, takes place in more than 30 countries and for the first time is ‘going global’ by being staged on the other side of the world here in Port Macquarie (Guruk).

“While most Australians have encountered flying foxes, few realise that over 20 species of microbats play crucial roles in Guruk’s ecosystem every night.

“Some of these tiny mammals are so small they fit into a matchbox. Using their remarkable echolocation abilities, they ‘see’ with their ears, detecting their surroundings and prey through ultrasonic calls.”

Dr Frank and Ms Wood-Foye encouraged locals to join them for an evening of activities on campus including:

• Bat detector tour
• Live bat trapping
• Weaving for bat conservation
• Guest lectures about microbats
• Storytelling
• Bat profile posters by The Nature School students
• Activity stalls and more
• Free sausage sizzle and soft drinks with vegetarian options available

The program is co-designed with the Birpai People and supported by Charles Sturt Sustainability, and many stakeholders including The Nature School, Port Macquarie-Hastings and Mid Coast Councils, Forestry NSW, National Parks and Wildlife Services, Corymbia Field Ecology, Fawna Field Ecology, and Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise – Sustainability.

The International Gulan (Bat) Night is from 4pm to 7.30pm on Sunday 25 August at the Theatre (doors open 3.30pm) and grounds at Charles Sturt University, 7 Major Innes Road, Port Macquarie, NSW.

While this is a FREE public cross-cultural event co-designed with Birpai People, please RSVP and ensure you secure a complimentary ticket via the HUMANITIX link/QR code.