Pesky Pests welcomed back to local libraries for holidays

Events |25 September 2025

Bookings are now open for Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group’s popular school holiday programs as part of the Pesky Pests initiative— an informative, fun and interactive experience for children as they get hands-on with the science of biosecurity. 

Offered free of charge to community organisations in the City of Mandurah, Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale, Shire of Harvey, Shire of Waroona, and Shire of Murray, the programs run for sixty to ninety minutes and are tailored for a wide age range. 

During school holiday programs, kids will explore the native animals and invasive pests found in the Peel-Harvey region, get involved in hands-on activities, and learn about the importance of pest management, ecology, and biosecurity in their local environment in an age-appropriate way. 

The parents of past participants have given this locally developed program rave reviews, with one saying, “A brilliant, informative session. Engaging for a lot of age groups and very well explained to younger ones.” Another noted that they found the program to be “thoroughly engaging for my children, and the perfect mix of education and activities.” 

Since the launch of the program at the beginning of 2025, more than 600 children have participated in Pesky Pests through school and community programs. 

“Getting kids involved in science early is vital — it builds confidence, nurtures curiosity, and helps them see that science is a tool they can use to explore, question and make a positive difference to the world around them,” said Teele Hooper-Worrell, Executive Officer of Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group.

“We’re very proud to be able to offer this program and other educational resources to local children and educators, not just to get more young people involved with science, but also to increase community awareness of the importance of biosecurity to the Peel-Harvey region.”

Peel-Harvey community members can view the program and book places at the Pesky Pests school holiday events via the program’s website at www.schools.phbg.org. Places are limited and sell out fast.

Community groups, schools, libraries, youth organisations and others can register their interest in running a Pesky Pests program during the holidays or during term by emailing schools@phbg.org. 

ENDS

Media enquiries: media@phbg.org