From courtrooms to wetlands ~ find out how it happens and what we can learn

Everyone welcome

You don’t need to be an activist, expert, or long‑time campaigner to attend this forum. This event is designed as a friendly community gathering where people can listen to local stories and connect with others who care about the place they live. If this is your first EcoNetwork forum, you’ll be very welcome.

REGISTRATION essential (below)

When: Sunday 22 February, 1.30 – 3.30pm

Venue: Tomaree Library & Community Centre
7 Community Close, Salamander Bay
On Worimi Country

Local communities play an important role in caring for our environment—and many people are looking for practical, positive ways to get involved. EcoNetwork Port Stephens warmly invites community members, volunteers, and allies to an engaging and inspiring forum that brings together people who are creating impact, challenging harmful developments, and building resilience in the face of climate change.

This forum is a welcoming space to listen, learn, ask questions, and share ideas about local environmental issues and community-led responses. Whether you’re already active or just beginning to get involved, you are welcome.

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Is this Forum for me?

This forum is for you if you:

• Are curious about local environmental issues
• Care about the future of your community, coast, wetlands, or waterways
• Enjoy hearing from local people making a difference
• Want to understand how decisions about development, climate, and conservation are made
• Simply want to listen, learn, and be part of a thoughtful community conversation.

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What you’ll hear about

Community Action that’s changing the Law

Hear from Wendy Wales and Tony Lonergan of the Denman Aberdeen Muswellbrook Scone Healthy Environment Group (DAMS HEG), who spearheaded the recent NSW Court of Appeal case examining how climate impacts are considered in approvals for major fossil fuel projects. Their case highlights how climate impacts are assessed in planning decisions and what this could mean for future projects across NSW.

Wendy and Tony will share how their community organised, worked with the Environment Defenders Office and Johnson Legal, and what lessons other communities can take from their experience—especially as the case heads toward a High Court appeal in 2026.

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Mambo Wetlands update ~ what’s at stake?

Kathy Brown from the Mambo-Wanda Wetlands Conservation Group will provide an update on Council’s housing plans surrounding the wetlands and the risks facing this endangered ecological community. Learn what’s happening now, why these wetlands matter, and what options and actions are being discussed for their future.

Why wetlands matter — and how they’re protected
Sam Johnson, Coastal Wetlands Community Organiser with the Nature Conservation Council of NSW, will explain the laws and regulations designed to protect wetlands, why they matter to all of us, and how wetland protection fits into the current political and environmental landscape.

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Building resilience in flood-prone communities in the face of climate impacts

Jo Lynch, a long‑time community environment leader, will share insights from her work with Climate Ready Newcastle and other community resilience initiatives across NSW and Australia. Jo will explore how communities can prepare for and respond to climate impacts such as flooding and coastal inundation, drawing on lessons from Throsby Creek and findings from Australia’s first National Climate Risk Assessment 

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Join the conversation

Following the presentations, there will be time for discussion about what we can learn from these experiences, what questions remain, and how communities can work together to care for their local environment. There is no expectation to speak or participate beyond your comfort level.

Affiliate group updates will also be shared.

You are invited to stay for a simple afternoon tea after the forum.

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Strong communities start with informed conversations. Come along, learn more, and connect with others who care about the future of our local environment.

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REGISTRATION is essential

For any enquiries, please email info@econetworkps.au