Pages tagged "event"
Picnic for Nature 2025
Let's have a picnic!
Picnic for Nature is back on the 10-16 November 2025.
Last year we had over 1,000 people at 33 simultaneous picnics across NSW! As well as being fun, the Picnic is a chance to bring nature lovers together to connect over the natural beauty and biodiversity of your local area, that nature is precious and needs protecting.
This year the Picnic for Nature will be held over the week, allowing you and your group to pick the time, date and activity that works best for you. Each Picnic is hosted and designed by local groups and networks, so is unique to the area and have different activities planned. It can be simple – BYO rugs and snacks, or include activities like tree planting, bush walks, nature games, celebrating a significant milestone for your group, the possibilities are endless. You can also link up with other local groups to host it together.
This statewide Picnic for Nature gives local groups the excuse they need to get outdoors to reconnect with nature and each other, to grow the movement, to protect nature and act on climate change. The NCC can help to promote your picnic and provide you with some resources (see below) that can assist you to organise and promote your local picnic.
Please fill in the details here to register your interest for 2025 and we will be in touch. We are hoping that those of you who hosted last year will host again and we look forward to welcoming first timers.
We've created some resources to support in the planning of your picnic:
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Click here to view and download the Picnic for Nature Host Guide
- Click here to view and download the Planning Checklist Template
- Click here to view the Digital Toolkit for picnic promotion design templates
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Click here to view our training on How to use Canva
Be sure to bring your family and friends!
See all eventsRegional 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.
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 |
Environment Awards 2024
Nature Conservation Council of NSW is thrilled to announce the return of the NSW Environment Awards, to be held in March 2024.
Across NSW, tens of thousands of people wake and dedicate their time to the protection and restoration of nature.
From the recently mobilised Turtlewach volunteers combing the NSW Mid North Coast to Gumbayngirr Traditional Owners lighting sacred fires to protect the Country from logging, the dedication and passion of our movements gives me hope for the future.
It would be impossible to celebrate and honour all the amazing people that are fighting to give nature a voice.
However, as the leading voice for nature in NSW, we can certainly try to shine a spotlight on some of the outstanding examples of nature lovers, campaigners, grassroots environmentalists, and conservation groups throughout the state.
Do you know of a group or individual you would like to recognise for their work protecting nature?
Nominations are now closed.
Details:
Date: Wednesday March 27
Time: 5.30pm (for 6pm start)
Location: NSW Teachers Federation, Surry Hills
Reserve your spot at the awards night here.
The NSW Environment Awards celebrate the remarkable dedication and achievements of nature lovers, campaigners, grassroots environmentalists, and conservation groups throughout the state.
In 2024, we'll be honouring individuals and groups in the following categories:
This award is given to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the conservation of the NSW Environment, and courageously challenged Government and non-Government decision-makers, in honour of Myles and Milo Dunphy. Myles Dunphy (1891-1985) campaigned for national parks and wilderness in NSW and Myles’ son, Milo (1928-1996) led the fight to preserve the Colong Caves and the Kanangra-Boyd wilderness.
Ziggy Megne Volunteer for the Environment Award
The Nature Conservation Council acknowledges and appreciates the valuable contributions made by countless volunteers in a broad range of capacities in past and present environmental campaigns and efforts to make our world a more sustainable place. The Ziggy Megne Volunteer for the Environment Award celebrates these unsung heroes. The award is given to the most outstanding and inspiring individual who has voluntarily contributed their time for the cause of conservation and the environment over the past year.
Allen Strom Hall of Fame Award
The Nature Conservation Council's Hall of Fame was established in memory of the late Allen Strom’s untiring dedication to conservation and education in NSW. Individuals for this award have been actively involved in the conservation movement for many years, have made a constant and invaluable contribution to the environment and have displayed qualities of integrity, reliability and commitment.
Marie Byles Award
This award celebrates a group which has initiated an outstanding new environmental campaign, launched in the last 24 months, and has demonstrated strong commitment and passion for the conservation of the NSW environment, in honour of Marie Byles. Marie Byles (1900-1979), the first female solicitor in NSW and a passionate bushwalker, conservationist, explorer, mountaineer and feminist.
Nature Conservation Council Member Group Award
This award is given to a Member Group of the Nature Conservation Council which has demonstrated outstanding commitment and success in the conservation of the NSW environment.
Rising Star Award
This award is given to a young individual under the age of 30, who has demonstrated outstanding effort and commitment to the conservation of the NSW environment.
This award is given to a person or group who has contributed the most to cooperation between the conservation movement and the trade union movement. In honour of Jack Mundey (1929 – 2020) who was a visionary who understood the struggles for social justice and environmental justice are part of the same broader project — to preserve human dignity in the face of unconstrained development.