This month we celebrate Volunteer Week and with 2026 being the United Nations International Year for Sustainable Development, we recognise the vital role our volunteers across our network play in building sustainable, inclusive communities.
We’re launching our Marine Special Interest Group to monitor sustainability of our estuarine marine life. Our Port Stephens community is uniting to stop the unsustainable destruction of our Mambo Wetlands, just sign the petition. Join in with our Friends of Tomaree NP and many supporters, or any local landcare group, as healthy communities work together to create healthy environments. Our reinvigorated South Tomaree Community Association has brought their community together with a host of achievements and a forward vision.
This month is pivotal in our fight against coal with the first ever high court hearing over coal and climate impacts; its success will create an impactful precedent. You can lend support by donating just a few $$, or join the conversation on coal, climate and Port Stephens. Protecting nature with better laws is critical, make your concerns heard with our MP.
There’s a huge calendar of exciting events, with places and ways to enjoy yourself in nature as well as a myriad of ways to learn more.
THANK YOU to all the amazing, hardworking volunteers across our networks and community.
Sue Olsson & Liz Wynn
Co-editors
Next issue, please submit stories before 23 May to info@econetworkps.org
Join our new Marine Special Interest Group
Help STOP further destruction of the Mambo Wetlands
Wings Over Wetlands art competition ~ last call to register
Looking for scenic activity that helps your well-being & nature?
You can make a difference ~ act for nature!
Landmark High Court Hearing in the fight against coal 💰
Stand with EcoNetwork members Wendy Wales and Tony Lonergan as they fight the largest coal mine expansion in the state all the way to the High Court in May ~ the first ever climate case to reach Australia’s highest court. If successful, the precedent will be far reaching.
Is the NSW Govt serious about stopping land clearing? 🗣️ ✍🏼
THANK YOU for making a difference! 👏 🙏🏼
With National Volunteer Week 16-24 May just around the corner, we’d like to say a HUGE thank you to all the volunteers and members that directly assist EcoNetwork Port Stephens, and our 30+ affiliate groups for your tremendous support and for taking action for conservation.
EcoNetwork advocating for the environment 📣
Eco-extras
COMMUNITY calendar
MAY
Now – 31 May Wings Over Wetlands ART Competition. Register your entry by 31 May, with digital artwork to be received by 31July 2026
Sat 9 May am Autumn Planting: Native tree, shrubs and ground cover, Boat Harbour, northern entrance to the Tomaree Coastal Walk.
Sat 9 May am World Migratory Shorebird Day – Mud Sweat and Cheers, restoring salt marsh
Sun 10 May am Worimi trails, Worimi Conservation Lands. A morning walk from Fern Bay through forest and wetland trails and over the hind dunes.
Wed-Fri 13-15 May Mudgee area, easy walks through diverse landscapes, rainforest to wetlands, pagodas and Caves of Hands, 3 days, 2 nights accommodated in Mudgee.
Mon 18 May 7pm Power to the People: Sparking Post-Coal Conversations A Pint of Science Festival event to discover how we’re building a fossil-free future, one atom and one community at a time.
Tue 19 May 7pm Port Stephens: Water, Health and Our Sustainable Future – an engaging evening at Restaurant 2317, Soldiers Point, bringing together cutting-edge science and local relevance for a thought-provoking night of discovery. A Pint of Science Festival event.
Wed 20 May Girrawa Trail, Dungog Common
Wed 20 May 7pm Ancient Roots, Modern Tech: The Race to Save Our Species A Pint of Science Festival evening exploring how high-tech monitoring and cutting-edge conservation could be the key to saving local flora and fauna.
Sat 23 May am World Migratory Shorebird Day – Stockton Sandspit, Hunter Wetlands National Park Kooragang
Sun 24 May Barrington Plateau walk, Barrington Tops NP. Cool temperate rainforest and woodlands walk. Optional camping Saturday
Wed 27 May 6pm Don’t Pea Afraid – Identifying Native Pea flowers with Shirley McLaren
Sat 30 May 2pm Community Forum: MAMBO: Good Planning, Great Outcomes for Housing in Port Stephens: BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
JUNE
Sat 6 Jun am Community Autumn Planting Boat Harbour
Sat 13 Jun Power in the Regions: The online conference for nature in NSW An excellent opportunity to hear and share best practice in environmental change, turning local passion into collective power.
Sat 13 Jun pm Shorebird Habitat Restoration and Education – Curlew Point
Promote your environmental events on our Community Calendar
Did you know you can submit your own environmental or sustainability events to our Community Calendar and then to EcoUpdate?
Here’s how following our website menu – GET INVOLVED > Community Events Calendar > Promote your event.
OR Save our direct link “Promote your event” to upload your environmental event.
ENJOY EcoUpdate?
Become a member and help support us
SPECIAL Join now for the 2026/2027 financial year ~ individuals just $10
Annual membership fees provide the vital revenue enabling EcoNetwork to advocate for the environment, and keep the information flowing to you to support our members.
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.
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