Join seaweed forager Chris Rockley to learn more about edible seaweed found in Southern Victoria, collecting techniques and laws, preparation and preservation and how to cook them. If you have ever walked the beach and asked “which seaweed can I eat” then this event is for you. You are invited to join Chris afterwards on the beach to test out your new skills. The cost includes an ID guide to help you on your journey to identify seaweed in your area.
Chris Rockley is a professional natural science illustrator and nature educator. She specialises in nature observation, identification, and ethnobotany. She has been an educator in Victoria and NSW since 2008 and often leads guided nature activities and walks that explore and connect people to wild places. These are focused on helping people to see unnoticed ecological wonders and honing observation skills.
When: 14th November 2026
Time: 10.30am - 12.30pm
Fee: $45.00 p/p
Bookings:
https://www.portfairycommunityhouse.com.au/event/spring-edible-seaweed/
Join Creative Ecologist Chris Rockley after the reopening of the Maritime Museum Discovery Centre at session 2 of the Tidal Rhythms project.
Look and Draw onto a vintage piano scroll using a combination of marine specimens and reference photography with thanks from Deakin University and The Great Southern Reef Foundation. Also draw directly from specimens found in the Cultural Collection.
Add your drawing to a combined community scroll on the day or take away a numbered scroll to add drawings to over the year. These will form part of a community art project at next years Upwelling festival (2027).
All materials supplied. All ages event. Drop-in event. No registration required.
When: 7th Nov 2026
Time: 2.30pm - 4.30pm
Location: Portland Maritime Discovery Centre
Fee: FREE
RSVP
Come and discover the vibrant world of the Colours of the Reef.
Registration is essential for this unique opportunity to listen, learn and draw the creatures that call the Great Southern Reef, home.
Join Creative Ecologist Chris Rockley and Marine Ecologists to draw directly onto a vintage piano scroll as part of a growing community artwork celebrating our marine environment. Discover the incredible colours, patterns and textures found within Southern Ocean reef communities and explore how artists and scientists observe the marine world in different ways.
There will be good video and photo references from Deakin Marine & The Great Southern Reef Foundation. Add your drawing to a combined community scroll on the day or take away a numbered scroll to add drawings to over the year. These will form part of a community art project at next years Upwelling festival (2027).
All materials supplied. All ages event. Drop-in event. Registration required.
When: 21st Nov 2026
Time: 11am - 3pm
Location: Julia Street Creative Space
Fee: FREE but registration required - REGISTER HERE
Come and discover the hidden world of the Seagrass Meadows and Shallows.
Due to limited places, registration is essential for this unique opportunity to listen, learn and draw the creatures and habitats of the Southern Ocean. Discover the rich diversity of seagrass meadows and shallow mudflats and learn how these habitats support an abundance of marine species as well as birds and invertebrates.
Join Creative Ecologist Chris Rockley and Marine Ecologists as you listen and draw. Marine specimens and reference photography, generously supplied by Deakin University and The Great Southern Reef Foundation. Draw directly onto a vintage piano scroll and contribute to a growing community artwork celebrating our local marine environment.
Add your drawing to a combined community scroll on the day or take away a numbered scroll to add drawings to over the year. These will form part of a community art project at next years Upwelling festival (2027).
All materials supplied. All ages event. FREE. Registration required.
When: 5th Dec 2026
Time: 11.00am to 3.00pm
Location: Portland Neighbourhood House
Fee: FREE but registration required - REGISTER HERE
Come and discover the hidden world of the Seaweed Forest Canopy.
Due to limited places, registration is essential for this unique opportunity to listen, learn and draw the creatures and habitats of the Southern Ocean. Discover the rich diversity of life hidden amongst towering kelp forests and learn how these underwater habitats support an abundance of marine species.
Join Creative Ecologist Chris Rockley and Deakin University Marine Ecologists as you listen and explore. Marine specimens and reference photography, generously supplied by Deakin University and The Great Southern Reef Foundation. Draw directly onto a vintage piano scroll and contribute to a growing community artwork celebrating our local marine environment.
Add your drawing to a combined community scroll on the day or take away a numbered scroll to add drawings to over the year. These will form part of a community art project at next years Upwelling festival (2027).
All materials supplied. All ages event. Drop-in event. Registration required.
When: 12th Dec 2026
Time: 1pm - 3.30pm
Location: Portland Library
Fee: FREE but registration required - REGISTER HERE
Upcoming events.
Welcome, there is lots of ways you can join a community workshop, talk or come and see me at a festival.