FROM looking after wetlands to regenerating bushland or caring for injured marine animals, environmental groups across Port Stephens have plenty on their hands.
Some of the people behind that work will come together on Sunday, 1 November to talk about what they have achieved and where they need support.
EcoNetwork Port Stephens is holding a networking afternoon at Tomaree Library and Community Centre, giving residents a chance to hear directly from members and affiliated groups.
The network has 31 affiliated groups, bringing together people with interests ranging from wildlife and habitat protection to sustainable living and local planning, as well as individual members.
The afternoon is open to anyone interested in the environment, including those who would like to find out how to get involved.
Starting at 2pm, speakers will share updates on their projects, the difficulties they face and opportunities to work together.
Among them will be Kathy Brown from the Mambo-Wanda Wetlands Conservation Group, Ewa Meyer from Renew Hunter, and Laraine Taylor from the South Tomaree Community Association.
National Parks Association Hunter Branch President John Simpson and local coordinator Sue Olsson will also speak.
EcoNetwork member Wendy Wales will talk about the many implications of their recent High Court win to have broad climate impacts considered in coal mining approvals.
EcoNetwork secretary Dr Bob Creese will guide the discussion, while president Iain Watt will look back on the organisation’s year.
Established in 1993, EcoNetwork supports community groups and advocates on environmental issues affecting the region.
Its affiliated groups include Friends of Tomaree National Park, Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, Voice of Wallawong Woodville and Salamander Bay Recycling, as well as marine interests like Irukanji Shark & Ray Encounters and ORRCA.
Their activities offer different ways for residents to lend a hand, whether that means restoring dunes, planting koala habitat, reporting dolphin sightings, protecting wetlands, or helping with community campaigns.
Others focus on reducing household environmental impacts or contributing to decisions about development and planning.
The gathering will allow time for questions and discussion, as well as a chance to meet people working on similar issues.
EcoNetwork’s brief annual general meeting will follow at 3.15pm, with the treasurer’s report and committee elections.
Afternoon tea starts at 3.30pm,
The centre is at 20 Town Centre Circuit, Salamander Bay.
Organisers ask people to register through EcoNetwork’s website so they can plan and also have enough afternoon tea for everyone. For more information and registration: www.ecops.au/network2026
By Althea GUINSBERG
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
