Dear Friend
Welcome to this special edition of EcoUpdate – here are some EcoEvents happening throughout August and beyond. We hope there’s something for everyone.
We are excited to have this opportunity to support Port Stephens Council, partnering with Good for the Hood, by inviting you to join a new initiative called ‘Port Stephens Residents @HOME’. Focussing initially on the theme of Sustainability at Home, this online hub will run for 12 months until 30 June 2024. More details below.
You can check out more workshops, events and other activities on EcoNetwork’s Community Calendar. Thank you for reading and sharing our events. If you have a community event you’d like to include in our calendar, please complete the online form.
Look forward to seeing you at one of these exciting events!
Ewa Meyer
Editor, ecoupdate@econetworkps.org
PS Please forward this edition to your members and friends, or they can sign up to receive it directly.
Port Stephens residents @HOME
Port Stephens Council and Good for the Hood have just launched the Port Stephens Residents@HOME online portal. This community tool will give you access to video workshops, interactive events and helpful tips from experts on living sustainably.
The online workshops start next week on Monday 14 August with A Chef’s guide to Loving Leftovers and Menu Planning like a Pro with chef and recipe developer, Madita Kosch, who will offer expert advice on reducing food waste and tips to use up tricky leftovers. Come and join us on Port Stephens Residents @HOME and see what other workshops are coming up – they’re as diverse as natural skincare, worm farming and electric vehicles.
Explore Port Stephens with our local Walking Group
The Port Stephens Walking Group explores locations in and around Port Stephens as well as our regional Hunter, Central Coast and Myall areas. There is a regular walking program of half and one day coastal and hinterland walks to scenic locations and places where wildflowers flourish, as well as full day hikes.
Our walks generally require moderate fitness though are not fast paced. Shorter walks (max 2 hrs) are on offer between 9-12 September 2023. More information and bookings at Tomaree-Wildflowers 2023.
Birds of woodlands, parks and gardens in Port Stephens
As part of our 30 year celebrations, EcoNetwork invites you to our first ever Woodland Bird Forum on Sunday 20 August for a morning of engaging presentations and panel discussions about the incredible diversity of birds in beautiful Port Stephens.
Our special guest presenters are Tomaree birdwatcher Neil Fraser, Newcastle University researcher Louise Williams and local nature photographer Mat Spillard.
The half day program also includes Spreading your Wings – a panel discussion and Q&A session on why, where and how you can get involved in bird-related activities, ranging from local bird walks to projects from the comfort of your armchair!
Sustainable Living Festival 2023!
Hey that’s not a typo – and yes, it was the Sustainable Futures Festival last year!
Save the date – Sunday 4 November, 9am -2pm at Medowie Social, Ferodale Road.
We have renamed, rebranded and relocated – adding 3 more ‘re’s to our 5 star festival for sustainability and waste management – rethink, reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle.
In collaboration with Homegrown Markets, we are planning a wonderful showcase of all that is sustainable in growing, building and understanding a better way to live.
War On Waste Community Toolkit
Have you been watching the new ABC series of War on Waste? It’s both depressing and uplifting – and eye-opening! We have a long way to go – but new technologies are developing fast and so solutions need to be communicated to businesses and communities. For instance, do you know what can or cannot be recycled in your LGA?
Tonight is the 3rd and final episode of WoW at 8.30pm or – or you can watch them all on ABC iView.
What’s on
You can check out all these events and more on EcoNetwork’s Community Calendar.
- Sunday 20 August 2023 9.30am – 1.00pm. Birds of Woodlands, parks and gardens of Port Stephens. Our expert presenters will help you identify local bird species and where to spot them, projects to get involved in, as well as tips on how to encourage birds to your garden. Free event organised by EcoNetwork. Program and bookings here.
- Saturday 2 September 11am – 1pm. Dungog Passivbarn: Pioneering the Future of Passivhaus with steel framed windows. Renew Hunter Branch invite you to this unique opportunity to see the interior of a Passivhaus prior to completion and there’ll be experts at hand to answer your questions. Free tour, bookings essential.
- September Wildflower walks in Tomaree National Park. 9 Sept 1.30 pm, 12 Sept 1.30 pm and 14 Sept 10 am. The Fingal area is a wonderland of winter and early spring wildflowers, especially along its sandy heathy woodlands. Book your spot.
- Saturday 16 September Living Smart Festival, Speers Point Lake Macquarie. Come and say hello to Craig Reucassel from War on Waste and to Renew Hunter Branch members. Contact us if you’d like to help out at our stall.
- Saturday 4 November, 9am -2pm, Medowie Social. This year EcoNetwork is teaming up with HomeGrown Markets to host the Sustainable Living Festival. More details and to book your stall.
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