Nature Conservation Council NSW Regional Conference 2024 - Hunter and Central Coast

The Nature Conservation Council Regional Conference 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 local issues facing nature before a state-wide audience.    

This year the Nature Conservation Council NSW (NCC) is partnering with 11 Environment Groups across the Hunter and Central Coast to present the annual 2024 NCC Regional Conference in Newcastle.
The co-hosts are:

Speakers announced! Take a look at the latest program here.

The venue is the Glenrock Scout Camp which is nestled on unceded Awabakal land in the picturesque Glenrock State Conservation Area near Newcastle. It’s a serene spot, surrounded by natural beauty. The camp is situated by a lovely lagoon and is conveniently close to the ocean (see the photo above).   

Regional Conferences have been held across the state each year since 2001. We are delighted to return to the Hunter, where the inaugural NCC regional conference was held over 20 years ago. 

Each year there is a different theme and an optional field trip is organised to get out into the region the following day.  

The broad theme of the 2024 Regional Conference is - Hunter and Central Coast at the coalface of transition, biodiversity in the balance. 

The aims of the conference are to:   

• 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. Can the Hunter Central Coast be a test case?
  
• Share and celebrate nature in the Hunter Central Coast and the wins that have been made. 
• Showcase local nature, climate and sustainability initiatives and “out of the box” thinking.   
• Provide opportunities for connection between organisations, groups, and conference attendees and strengthen working relationships. 

Join us on Saturday for a day of workshops and panel discussions, followed by a conference dinner in the evening (please let us know if you’d like to join us) and a field trip to a selection of nearby locations on Sunday morning. 

Everyone is welcome to attend this event. There will be something for everyone - no matter your level of knowledge or experience. 

Cost:  $45 per person for two days. Includes morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea on Saturday and light refreshments on Sunday. Free tickets are available for those under the age of 25 and First Nations people. 

Location and travel: by own arrangement 

Accommodation: There are plenty of accommodation options available in Newcastle for you to privately book. Alternatively, there are dormitory rooms at the Scout Camp, a bed costing $36 per person. Camping options are also available for $18pp, but it will be cold! Please indicate on your registration as to whether you would like to book a bed in a dorm room or to camp. 

Important: Please register before 24 May to ensure we can cater to your dietary requirements. 

Conference Dinner:  We are thrilled to be partnering with The Hunter Region Landcare Network for the Conference Dinner which will be onsite. You will be provided with an introduction to local bush tucker and tips on how to set up a bush tucker garden at home. You will also sample native fruits, berries and herbs followed by a sumptuous dinner prepared by local Chef Peter from Firesong Indigenous Connection. Peter works in partnership with Allison Warry, a Worimi woman and together they will be our hosts for the evening sharing their extensive knowledge in preparing and cooking bush tucker. The conference dinner is subsidised but not included in the conference price. Please let us know whether you would like to join us for the conference dinner so that it can be properly catered. The cost on the night is $25, so please bring cash or a credit card with you.

We acknowledge the Awabakal  people as the traditional custodians of the land on which this conference is held, on land that was never ceded. The Awabakal  peoples have a rich history and deep connection to the region, which encompasses wetlands, rivers, creeks, and coastal environments which extends back tens of thousands of years. 

What: NCC Regional Conference 2024 
When: Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd June (field trip, half day) 
Where: Glenrock Scout Camp, 41 Scout Camp Rd, Whitebridge, NSW 2290 
Google map and directions 
Cost: $45 including Saturday morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea and Sunday light refreshments. (with free tickets available for First Nations people and U25s)  

This event will be held on unceded Awabakal land. Sovereignty was never ceded. We pay respects to Elders, past, present and emerging.