The theme of this year’s festival is ‘Rivercare’, which will pay tribute to the members of the local community chipping in to protect and restore platypus habitat.

Activities planned for the event include a demonstration water catchment model, a pedal-powered milkshake maker, a rag-rug workshop and a children’s treasure hunt.

Stalls from MidCoast Water, the Platypus Awareness and Conservation Team, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, FAWNA, the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, council, the Tucker Patch and others will provide information on the platypus and the habitats it frequents.

Local food and wine will available to sample and entertainment will provided by talented local musicians.

For those who want to get into the festival spirit early, a lantern-lit platypus spotting expedition has also been planned at the end of Relfs Rd from 5pm tonight (Friday).

The festival kicks off at 8.30am on saturday and finishes at 1.30pm. For more information visit www.platypusfestival.com.au

FIVE young Gloucester ladies will make their debuts into society at the Soldiers Club on Saturday, September 6.

The festivities are due to get underway at the RSL from 7.45pm.

BELLINGEN-based four-piece act Aunty HuHu and The Big Lazy will perform at the Senior Citizens Centre from 7.30pm on Saturday, September 6.

Aunty HuHu and The Big Lazy are a fresh attack, leaving you with a taste for more.

Tickets available from Gloucester Health Foods.

Newcastle cellist Anthony Albrecht will perform at Gloucester’s Uniting Church on Saturday, September 6 as part of his ‘Bach to the Bush’ series of concerts.

The concert will feature a selection of Johann Sebastian Bach’s suites for solo cello along interspersed with other short early works for the instrument.

The concert starts at 3pm. Tickets are available at the door or online via the website www.anthonyalbrecht.com

THE Gloucester CWA antiques and collectibles day will be held at the CWA hall from 9.30am to 3.30pm on Saturday, September 6.

Private collectors and enthusiasts are invited to exhibit their collections free of charge from 8am.

There will be a prize given to the best private collector’s exhibit.

To secure a space contact Sandy Tebbet on 6515 0510.

THE Gloucester branch of the Australian Stock Horse Society will hold its led and performance show at Gloucester Showground from 7.30am on Saturday, September 6.

Don’t miss this great chance to see some of the best district riders in the district in action.

TREAT dad to a unique gift by taking him on a tour of the Devil Ark conservation project in the Barrington Tops this Father's Day.

See the iconic Tasmanian devil in a wild environment and meet some joeys up close this Sunday, September 7. 

Bookings are online at www.devilark.com.au/tours

Space is limited to 12 persons per departure, tickets cost adult $150 and child eight to 15 years $100.