EcoUpdate: July 2026 events
It’s hard to believe that July has arrived and we’re already halfway through the year.
Despite the cooler 🥶 temperatures, we are so fortunate to experience the stunning beauty of Port Stephens during the winter season. This is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of some of the fantastic events happening in the area—why not join in and make the most of what Port Stephens has to offer? 🌱 🐨 🐸 🦋 🐋
In this Events EcoUpdate, catch up on what’s happening locally with H5 bird flu – now confirmed at Hawkes Nest. This serious and contagious H5N1 strain poses significant risks to wildlife, ecosystems and especially our threatened species. What is the Port Stephens response?
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Liz Wynn & Sue Olsson
Co-editors
ecoupdate@econetworkps.org.au
Reminder: for next EcoUpdate with articles, submit your stories by Sunday 19 July to ecoupdate@econetworkps.org.au, or get ready now for August EcoUpdate!
Tuesday 14 July – Beyond the statistics: land clearing in NSW webinar 🚜 🪓
Throughout July – Landcare bush regeneration 🌱 👷🏼 🍵
Wednesday 15 July – Walk Salt Ash, Tin city 🚶🏼♀️➡️ 🌅 🎉
Thursday 16 July – Rally to stop Hunter Valley Operations ⛏️ 🛑 💰
The largest coal mine expansion ever proposed in NSW, Hunter Valley Operations (HVO), has landed on the desk of the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) for a decision.
Will you join the rally out the front of the Hunter Valley Operations IPC hearing in Branxton to highlight the costs of climate change in the Hunter?
Sunday 19 July – The human whale Port Stephens 🐋 😎 🌭
Help create a giant human whale formation on the beachfront at Fingal Bay to pay homage to the annual whale migration and raise awareness for marine conservation.
Live music, interactive and educational family-friendly stalls by marine and conservation groups including NSW National Parks, Sea Shelter, OCCI, ORRCA and a sausage sizzle from Marine Rescue Port Stephens.
Tuesday 21 July – Looking good and saving money webinar 👠 👖 💵
Explore the real value of clothing beyond price tags in this interactive webinar session – perfect for anyone interested in sustainable fashion.
Learn practical, creative, and budget-friendly ways to care for your wardrobe while understanding the skills, time, and resources behind every garment.
Wednesday 22 July – Walk Mount Sugarloaf with National Parks 🚶🏼♂️➡️ ⛰️
Starting with the summit loop (1.1km), explore the expansive vistas of the surrounding valleys and Newcastle coastline, lush native bushland along the Mount Sugarloaf Trail and connections (7km) for a full day walk (8-9km). Plus, optional return on Bluegum Trail (2-3km). Well-defined tracks. Initial steep walk. Grade 3
Tuesday 28 July – Port Stephens Council Meeting in Nelson Bay 🧑🤝🧑 🛑
Thanks to the 1800+ petition signatures demanding change, the Salamander Bay Town Centre Place Plan is planned to be discussed at the August Council Meeting. Council has now delayed presentation of the petition to August. The July meeting is in Nelson Bay, come along, raise our community presence, and continue our support for Mambo Wetlands. There may even be a surprising Mayoral minute!
Wednesday 29 July – Walk Medowie to Raymond Terrace 🚶🏼♀️➡️ 🌅 🎉
We hope you can join in some of the events that make this area so unique and so special.
Did you know you can submit your own environmental or sustainability events to our Community Calendar and then to EcoUpdate?
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