Jabiru community groups collaborate

Jabiru community groups and organisations are working together for a common purpose with both Kakadu Bird Week and Mental Health Week running consecutively this month. 
Celebrating 50 years, Mental Health Week will take place in Jabiru from October 9 to 14 with the calendar featuring a variety of activities to engage people of all ages.
Louise Mayclair of CatholicCare NT said all community members and visitors are encouraged to take part in the activities.
“Mental Health Week is also a chance to reflect on our own wellbeing, and shows what support options and activities are available in the community.
“It is a national event about raising awareness of, and encouraging those affected by mental illness, to seek help and support. One in five people are affected by mental illness every year, from all walks of life.
“This year many individuals and organisations in Jabiru are getting involved, so please show your support by joining in, learning and having fun along the way!”
The calendar of activities features:
- Monday, October 9: SafeTalk Suicide Prevention Training Complimentary Session (at CatholicCare, bookings essential)
- Tuesday, October 10: Playgroup and morning tea at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel and World Mental Health Day walk at the Lake
- Wednesday, October 11: Black Rock Band and expression session of art at Cooinda Lodge
- Thursday, October 12: Mental Health Week Community Barbecue and coffee and Jabiru Art and Craft Group activity and morning tea at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
- Friday, October 13: Social walk with Park staff around Anbangbang and art competition exhibition and judging.
Meanwhile, International, domestic and local bird enthusiasts flocked to Kakadu this week for Kakadu’s renowned Bird Week. 
A variety of media, including ABC TV and radio took part, one of whom interviewed a couple that had travelled from Sydney to attend Kakadu Bird Week. 
Attendees joined in a variety of bird activities every day including cruises, live bird appearances by the Territory Wildlife Park, Graham Badari’s ‘Mayhmayh Different Birds’ book launch.
Attendees enjoyed bird walks run by professional bird watcher, Luke Paterson from  NT Bird Specialist, as well as slideshows and talks from visiting specialists such as Robin Leppit, who chatted about his PHD subject the Yellow Chat. There were also lucky winners of the scenic flights over Kakadu, donated by North Australian Helicopters.
As well as all the interest from visitors across the world, Kakadu loved having the local familiar faces join us for activities. Many of the Jabiru kids and families joined in some bird fun and games and made some beautiful art and craft, as well as learning about and going bird spotting. 
The Jabiru Sports and Social Club also ran a bird poetry competition with Jabiru Area School. Mike Jarvis from Experience The Wild guided a tour around Mamukala Wetlands and Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and taught guests some birdwatching basics. The final day (Saturday 7 October) will finish with a sunrise bird watching cruise at Yellow Waters and brunch at the Jabiru Lake hosted by Girl Guides Australia.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this growing school holiday event. Your support and feedback is vital in improving Parks events and a special thanks to the spectacular Kakadu birds!