Skip navigation

Regional Conferences at a glance

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.

In June 2024 the NCC partnered with a range of regional environmental groups in the Hunter Central Coast to present the annual 2024 Regional Conference in Newcastle  (photo above). 

Expressions of interest are now open for the 2025 Regional Conference. The Regional Conference allows the host location and group to showcase their local area and spotlight their local issues to the state-wide attention of the Nature Conservation Council network and the environment movement more broadly. The NCC team will work with your groups to organise the conference together - together deciding on the conference theme, program, location, and more. We will take care of the budget, ticketing, and promotion. Please register your interest in potentially hosting the conference and we will be in touch.

Regional Conferences have been held across the state since 2001 (the first one was in Newcastle and we are delighted it is returning in 2024). 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
2024

Newcastle - Glenrock Scout Camp

  • Hunter Community Environment Centre (HCEC)
  • Hunter Jobs Alliance (HJA) 
  • Community Environment Network (CEN), Central Coast
  • Hunter Environment Lobby 
  • Rising Tide 
  • Climate Action Newcastle (CAN) 
  • Hunter Renewal n
  • National Parks Australia (NPA), Hunter Branch + Friends of Tomaree NP
  • Coal-Ash Community Alliance Inc (CCA)
  • EcoNetwork Port Stephens 

"Hunter and Central Coast at the coalface of transition, biodiversity in the balance" and the aims:

  • Explore what is meant by the Hunter Central Coast being at the 'coalface of transition'. 
  • Work together for a future where the environment, nature and climate are at the core of future planning, where renewables are done ‘right’ 
  • Facilitate information sharing, skill development and collaborative planning to influence community practices, influence government and effect change. 
  • Share and celebrate nature in the Hunter Central Coast and the wins that have been made.
  • Showcase local nature, climate and sustainability action and “out of the box” thinking.
  • Provide opportunities for connection between organisations, groups, and conference attendees and strengthen working relationships and create strong alliances.  

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