The NCC holds an annual Regional Conference which shines a spotlight on a different region in NSW each year, empowering member groups, supporters and local communities by providing a platform to highlight the issues facing nature before a state-wide audience. In 2023 Albury hosted the Regional Conference.
Regional Conferences have been held across the state since 2001. Below is a snapshot of conferences held since 2010. Each year there is a different theme and a field trip is organised to get out into the region the following day.
| Year | Location | Member group/s | Theme |
| 2025 |
Blayney Shire Community Centre |
Blayney Wiradyuri Elders, Belubula Headwaters Protection Group, Blayney Eco Hub, Lithgow Environment Group, Cadia Community Sustainability Group, Mid Lachlan Landcare, Knitting Nannas Central West, Mudgee Coal Alert, Mudgee Region Action Group, Inland Rivers, Central West Environment Council, Bathurst Community Climate Action Group, Parents for Climate Action, Bathurst, Eugowra Catchment Landcare, Catholic Diocese of Bathurst Laudato Si’ Group |
Our 2025 theme was Lifeblood: Connections of Rivers, Country and Community, and that thread ran right through the weekend – from Aunty Nyree’s powerful Welcome to Country to deep dives on mining, citizen science, critical minerals, and caring for our waterways. Field trip - Blayney Eco Hub, Cadia Mine, the Belubula Headwaters and proposed site of the McPhillamys Gold Mine and The Mount permaculture farm Click here for an abridged post-conference info pack, including links to speaker presentations and resources. |
| 2024 |
Newcastle - Glenrock Scout Camp |
Hunter Community Environment Centre, Hunter Jobs Alliance, Community Environment Network, Central Coast Hunter Environment Lobby, Rising Tide, Climate Action Newcastle, Hunter Renewal, National Parks Australia, Hunter Branch + Friends of Tomaree, Coal-Ash Community Alliance Inc, EcoNetwork Port Stephens |
"Hunter and Central Coast at the coalface of transition, biodiversity in the balance", exploring how to put nature and climate at the heart of planning, renewables done ‘right’, collaborative planning to influence government and community practices, celebrating nature in the Hunter Central Coast and highlighting local nature, climate and sustainability innovation and wins. Field trip - Glenrock Conservation area and tree planting, viewing of the world's largest coal port, Hunter Wetlands Centre and Hexham Swamp Reserve |
| 2023 |
Albury – Charles Sturt University sustainability campus |
Thurgoona Community Action Group and Albury branch National Parks NSW |
“Connections, Communities, and Change” showcasing the work of experts in their fields and the initiatives of communities, businesses and organisations in the Albury Wodonga area, to realise a sustainable future in harmony with nature across rural and urban settings. Field trip - Wonga Wetlands, CSU’s Aquatic Research Facility, Kerr Sustainability Centre, Halve Waste Program |
| 2022 |
Armidale - Echidna Gully |
Sustainable Living Armidale, Climate Action Armidale, and the Armidale Branch of the National Parks Association of NSW. |
Nature, Climate Change and Renewables and will explore the challenges of how we can protect nature, minimise the impacts of climate change, and transition to renewable energy. A number of renewable energy projects proposed around Armidale and across NSW are posing some significant risks to nature, including the clearing of habitat for new transmission lines. Field trip - Metz Solar Farm, Gara travelling stock reserve, Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Armidale Tree Group Nursery |
| 2021 | Batemans Bay – Community Centre | Coastwatchers, South East Region Conservation Alliance (SERCA) and South Coast Health and Sustainability Alliance (SHASA) in Bateman's Bay |
The fires changed everything: Campaigning to protect nature A day exploring the issues nature faces on the South Coast, particularly after the bushfires. Included a rally to Save the Swift Parrots at the Forestry Corporation office. Field trip - Mogo State Forest |
| 2020 | Online/Central West | Central West Environment Council | Water in Western NSW |
| 2019 | Lismore – Lismore Showgrounds | Friends of the Koala |
Species extinction in a climate crisis. Field trip – Friends of the Koala hospital, Protester’s Falls in Nightcap National Park |
| 2018 | Queanbeyan - Jerrabomberra Community Centre | Climate Action Monaro |
Climate change and clean energy opportunities, forests Field trip - Kambah Pools bush walk and Mugga Lane Solar farm tour |
| 2017 | Lithgow – Uniting Church | Lithgow Environment Group |
Transitioning our energy system, World Environment Day Field trip - Angus Place colliery, Long Swamp and Wolgan Valley |
| 2016 | Central West, Dubbo/Orange – Dubbo RSL | Local environment groups |
What’s at stake for nature in the Central West? Film screening by the Wilderness Society ‘Biodiversity Conservation Act’ and Q&A |
| 2015 | Bellingen – Bellingen Showground | Bellingen Environment Centre |
Field Trip – 2 options. Canoeing on the Bellingen River or Inspection of clear felled plantation and a walk in Compartment 26/27 which is part of The Great Koala Park |
| 2014 | Bermagui – Bermagui Country Club | South East Region Conservation Alliance Inc (SERCA) |
Marine and Coastal Conservation, Defending land, water and wildlife from mining and gas, Forests and Wildlife |
| 2013 | Bathurst - Rahamim Ecological Learning Community | Central West Environment Council |
Explore key conservation challenges and opportunities for the Central West. Field trip - looking at the historic roads and original landscape features of the Bathurst area |
| 2012 | Coffs Harbour - Cavanbah Centre | North Coast Environment Council |
Turning the tide: Inspiring stories of community resistance to mining and coal seam gas expansion Field trip – Pine Creek State Forest and Orara Valley |
| 2011 | Batemans Bay – Bay Waters | The Coastwatchers Association |
Renewal and Growth of Environmental Advocacy in NSW Field Trip - Surf Beach Industrial Site and the Wharf Road Development |
| 2010 | Gulgong - Red Hill Environmental Education Centre | Central West Environment Council |
Biodiversity and mining impacts Field Trip - The Drip Gorge on Goulburn River |
