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EcoUpdate: August 2022

Dear members, friends and supporters,

In this edition, we reveal some of the best bird spotting locations around Port Stephens, explain why plastic is not so bad really, and how you can go on holidays and still have a productive garden.

And in case you thought I’d forgotten (!) … yes there’s this ‘little’ event called the Sustainable Futures Festival at St Philip’s Christian College at Salamander Bay. It is going to be HUGE! Can’t wait until 11 September? Nor can we!

See you there

Ewa
Editor, EcoUpdate
ecoupdate@econetworkps.org

Here are previous editions of EcoUpdate, most of the content is still current. Please forward this edition to anyone you like (or don’t like) and they can sign up to receive it HERE.


My favourite birding spots in Port Stephens

Bird enthusiasts and the local community in Port Stephens are fortunate to have on their doorstep a wide range of easily accessible birding locations.

Local Tomaree Birdwatcher, Neil Fraser, shares with us some of his favourite spots ahead of the busy Spring season. At least 327 species have been recorded across the region with over 70 of these relatively common and easy to spot. To find out where to go … Read More


Yes, gardens can withstand holiday neglect!

Some people say … ‘I can’t have a garden, I like to go away on holidays!’

Lachlan Storrie from Tree Frog Permaculture explains how you can have the best of both worlds. For you frequent travellers and other busy humans, Lachlan will persuade you and show you how to keep your gardening simple and productive.

Read More

Pre-register here for Lachlan’s workshops at the festival.


Plastic lasts forever – is that such a bad thing?

Many people think plastic is the worst material ever invented, assuming it’s all single use. Jessica Hodge from Resourceful Living shows us how her local start-up business is proving that ‘recycled plastic is the new raw material’ and explains how plastic stacks up against other materials and applications?

Resourceful Living is a Finalist in the Australian Small Business Champion Awards, environment category.

Read More

Pre-register here to hear Jess’s 1.30pm presentation at the festival.


It will be Electrifying at the Sustainable Futures Festival!

Come and meet our members, colleagues and businesses who know a thing or two about electric vehicles, electric outboard motors, charging stations, solar panels, solar ovens and more!

Would you like to save on energy bills? Or talk to an EV owner, see the latest in electric outboard motors. How does community power work?

Bet you want to know how to make your own sun-tracking portable solar panel for your caravan or camper trailer.

Support our local Lions Club – Bring your disused batteries to the Lions Club and Ecycle Solutions stall.

Read More


The aRRRRRt Awards, a Festival feature: finalists announced!

The aRRRRRt Awards finalists are now on display at various locations around Port Stephens and then at the Festival venue on 11 September where the winners will be announced.

Read more

Sustainable Futures Festival September 2022, 10am – 4pm at St Philip’s Christian College, Salamander Bay.


Get Involved: Decision Making

Some of the ways the United Nations adopt decisions include by vote, without a vote or by consensus. We can only imagine how hard it must be to facilitate the members of the United Nations to agree on a certain text or adoption of a position.

Alison Rogers continues her series by presenting some options to community groups on how to reach consensus on those important decisions.

Read More


Meet CLEANaS

CLEANaS is the Clean Energy Association of Newcastle and Surrounds, a not-for-profit association formed in 2012 by a group of locals passionate about clean energy.

CLEANaS works with various partner organisations and the community. Read about their latest project – the Gundy Community Solar Farm development near Scone that the local community will own.

Read More


EcoNetwork Port Stephens

Our Vision: Ecologically sustainable communities existing in harmony with the natural environment.

Our Purpose: To support our members and to educate and advocate on environmental issues that impact Port Stephens communities.

www.econetworkps.org : secretary@econetworkps.org : facebook

Published: 18 Aug 2022