Gungahlin is going on a bear hunt! If you would like to join in, place a teddy bear in your front window, on your balcony, or somewhere visible from the street. As families get their socially-distant exercise in, they can keep an eye out for these bears.

Inspired by the book by Michael Rosen, We’re going on a bear hunt, residents in Bonner and Forde started putting teddy bears in their windows and other Gungahlin suburbs quickly followed this initiative. This was so children under supervision with their parents or carers go out on a bear hunt in their own suburb for exercise, fresh air and distraction.

Amy from Forde Community Association shared with us why she shared this idea with the Forde residents “I was flicking through Facebook and saw it on another page (original source unknown) and I was like hey here is something the community could do while self isolation and social distancing and it just took off! I am absolutely blown away with the response that we have had and super proud to be part of this community.”

With thanks to David Pollard, President of the Crace Community Association, he has created a map where households can provide their location for the bear hunt to be added to the Gungahlin bear hunt map below.

David explained why he got behind this initiative “People want to be helping each other in times like this. The simple idea of putting a teddy bear in your window helps other parents and brings a little joy to their family.

Maintaining good mental health is going to be a challenge during this crisis, just like it was during the bushfire season. Walking is one way that families can help their children get out and about without much social contact. Making every other day a teddy bear hunt is a great community initiative.”

Add your location here: Gungahlin Bear Hunt