WEDDING SEPARATES ABC ANIMAL SOUNDS

Australia's Favourite Animal Sound: Celebrating the Symphony of the Wild An ABC Initiative for National Science Week 2023 12-20

August

Vogue bridal here on the south coast”

The best kept secret of the South Coast is the Australian bridal label, Bowie Rae, twice featured in Vogue magazine internationally.

Designer Manal Waugh launched her debut collection in 2019 and after 5 years of travelling the world, she set up her first studio in Woonona. “It was always on the vision board that BOWIE RAE would eventually live in the heart of Sydney CBD… yet the more time passed, the more it felt right to bring this new kind of bridal over to the South Coast where it was born”.

Manal says, “I never imagined BOWIE RAE would have taken off so quickly, In 2019 we were featured in Vogue after our very first bride and muse, Rebecca Burrow wore a custom BOWIE RAE gown”.

Now brides who want to do bridal their own way can visit the studio. “The South Coast is booming with the most beautiful and inspiring creatives,” Manal shares. “Teaming up with the other cool kids of the South Coast like Hero Florist, Mrs Gibbons, or the beautiful storytelling of Sea-People Photography and a host of other local creatives, BOWIE RAE has the vision of collating all the local rebel creatives and creating a one-stop-hub for all things cool in bridal”.

When it comes to the brand itself and what separates BOWIE RAE from the rest, Manal adds, “We have a very unique but simple philosophy when it comes to bridal… You don’t have to become anything or dress up as anyone else on your own wedding day. We create a collection of separates that all work together to create your very own bridal look”.

After causing controversy in the media over a sheer wedding dress, designer Manal bares all, “I have nothing to hide when it comes to who and what I design for. BOWIE RAE is inspired by the bold and designed for the daring. We focus on building a stronger, more empowered representation of the bride… challenging the outdated and divisive representation of the storybook bride that excludes and secludes many women. BOWIE RAE wants to broaden this traditional definition of what it means to be a bride and ask, ‘what if a Bride can just be a woman getting married?’ And what if this woman can choose what she will wear on her own wedding day…”

We like it! BOWIE RAE studio is now open and available for bookings but by appointment only

by Donna Portland

The great continent of Australia is renowned for its unique and diverse wildlife, a true testament to the wonders of the natural world. As National Science Week 2023 approaches, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is inviting everyone to join in a nationwide initiative that celebrates the extraordinary symphony of animal sounds that resonate throughout the land. This initiative, titled "Australia's Favourite Animal Sound," invites citizens to cast their votes for the most cherished calls of the wild.

The Science Behind the Symphony

From the rhythmic screeches of cicadas during the warm summer nights to the haunting howls of dingoes echoing through the outback, Australia is home to a plethora of distinct animal sounds. The project aims to shed light on the fascinating field of bioacoustics, which delves into the study of wildlife sounds. Ecologist and science communicator, Dr. Jen Martin, emphasises the significance of animal sounds in scientific research. These sounds aid in identifying elusive creatures and provide insights into their behaviours, communication patterns, and interactions.

The renowned science communicator, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, encourages individuals to embrace this opportunity to connect with Australia's unique wildlife and explore the captivating sounds they produce. By participating in this initiative, people not only contribute to determining the nation's favourite animal sound but also engage with the marvels of nature that surround them.

Listening to the Call of the Wild

The initiative presents a list of 28 distinct animal sounds for consideration, ranging from the iconic whip crack of the whipbird to the eerie, long call of the moaning frog. Each sound has been carefully selected by ABC's team of nature enthusiasts in collaboration with scientists, offering a diverse and captivating array of noises that represent the animal kingdom's vocal prowess.

Included among the contenders are the unmistakable "koo-koo-koo-koo-koo-kaakaa-kaa" of the kookaburra, the melodic and maniacal calls of the butcherbird, the enchanting mimicry of the lyrebird, and the soul-stirring grunts and bellows of the koala. These captivating sounds are more than just auditory experiences; they provide valuable insights into the behaviours and communication strategies of these remarkable creatures.

Join the Chorus: Cast Your Vote

The voting process has started at www.abc.net.au/ sounds, where as a participant you can immerse yourself in the symphony of Australian wildlife. Take the opportunity to listen to each animal sound, learn about the creatures that produce them, and ultimately cast your vote for your top three favourites.

After the initial round of voting, the list will be narrowed down to the top 10 finalists on August 11th. A second round of voting will commence, leading to the announcement of the winning animal sound on August 18th. This eagerly anticipated revelation will mark the culmination of Australia's Favourite Animal Sound project for National Science Week 2023.

The project has received support through the Australian Government's Inspiring Australia strategy, showcasing the value of scientific engagement and exploration in the nation.

A Celebration of Nature's Melodies

Australia's Favourite Animal Sound initiative is a celebration of the symphony that reverberates across the country's landscapes. It encourages people to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature's soundscape, showcasing the intricate and diverse ways in which animals communicate and express themselves. By casting your vote, you're not only participating in a poll but also joining a chorus that reverberates with the essence of the Australian wilderness.

So, open your ears and hearts to the enchanting calls of the wild, explore the captivating world of bioacoustics, and cast your vote to honour the most cherished animal sounds that define Australia's natural heritage.

by Veronica Grace