Through the Landcare Enabling Program (LEP), Greater Sydney Landcare works with Local Landcare Coordinators embedded in a range of host organisations, fostering strong partnerships and extending Landcare’s reach across the region.
This collaborative approach enables each host to address their community’s unique environmental priorities, whether through on-ground restoration, community engagement, or innovative education initiatives. Their stories showcase the tangible impact of local action.
Here’s a snapshot of recent achievements from our Local Landcare Coordinators, celebrating their role in creating healthier landscapes and stronger, connected communities.
Hawkesbury-Nepean Landcare Network
Monique Bailey, Local Landcare Coordinator
Turtles’ vs Platypus: Battle of the Cutest!
On the 18th of October, the energy was buzzing, at the inaugural ‘Turtles Versus Platypus – Battle of the Cutest’ event, held at Navua Reserve, Grose Wold.
The respected Doctors of their field; Michelle Ryan & Ricky Spencer educated us on their fauna of choice from litter audits & their impact, nesting, age, fox predation, turtle app, opera house traps & debated (with the help of some younger participants) away. Trading blow for blow on points of hibernation, how long they can stay under water for & how many eggs they can lay.
The winner was – Turtle? Platypus?
That’s right it was a draw – what are the chances? They are both so unique and important, how could you choose!
If you would like to more groovy events like this, follow us & stay tuned to what’s coming up through Hawkesbury Bushcare, Hawkesbury Nepean Platypus Project, Turtle Rescues New South Wales, Hawkesbury City Council and Western Sydney University.
The Hawkesbury-Nepean Landcare Network is looking forward to another fun-filled and productive year in 2026, with plenty of opportunities for the community to get involved in caring for our local environment. We’re excited to continue delivering engaging environmental education events, including our much-loved Schools Wetland Challenge, which inspires young people to connect with and protect their local ecosystems. Alongside these learning experiences, we’ll be continuing our on-ground efforts with dedicated groups like the Wandering Wallabies, working together to restore bushland, improve habitat, and strengthen our region’s natural resilience.
Community Environment Network
Paul Madden, Local Landcare Coordinator
The CEN will be having our annual World Wetlands Day event “Breakfast with the Birds” at Central Coast Wetlands on the 1st February 2026. The theme for this event will be Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage. Breakfast with the Birds is always a great event, with early morning guided bird walks around the Central Coast Wetlands, followed by breakfast and some short talks about the wetlands themselves and the site in general.
After breakfast there will be a series of activities including tree planting in an active revegetation project on the Central Coast Wetlands, a Waterbug Hunt, and an indigenous workshop with a local cultural educator. Make sure to register using the link below!
CEN is gearing up for an exciting 2026, focused on empowering communities to take action for their local environment. This year, we’ll be expanding our hands-on programs, from interactive workshops to practical restoration projects, giving people the skills and knowledge to make a lasting impact. Collaborating with local groups and volunteers, we aim to enhance biodiversity, care for native habitats, and foster a stronger connection between people and the landscapes they love. It’s set to be a year of meaningful work, learning, and community-driven environmental success.
