Through the Landcare Enabling Program (LEP), Greater Sydney Landcare supports Local Landcare Coordinators who are based within a range of host organisations. This collaborative model strengthens partnerships and amplifies the impact of Landcare across the region.
By working within these diverse host organisations, each Coordinator is uniquely positioned to respond to their community’s environmental priorities—whether through on-ground restoration, community engagement, or innovative education initiatives. Together, their stories demonstrate the powerful outcomes of locally driven action.
Below, we share some recent highlights from our sub-hosts as we celebrate their vital contributions to healthier ecosystems and more connected communities.
Community Environment Network
Paul Madden, Local Landcare Coordinator
In the last three months, Community Environment Network (CEN) has attended both Harvest Festival and National Tree Day events to promote our programs and run educational activities. A specific focus for promotion this year was our Platypus Watch project. This tied in well with the Waterbug activities we typically run at these events with Central Coast Waterwatch, as we were able to reference the waterbugs with the diet of Platypus as well as water quality.
For the Harvest Festival we attended Platypus Day at Woodbury Inn Park, running Waterbug Hunts for the kids and also holding an info stall, and we had our first appearance at Dam Day Out up at Mangrove Dam. For Dam Day Out we had samples of water and waterbugs from the dam and were able to guide attendees through basic water quality monitoring tests for turbidity, pH, temperature and electrical conductivity.
Hawkesbury-Nepean Landcare Network
Monique Bailey, Local Landcare Coordinator
Over the last quarter, the Hawkesbury-Nepean Landcare Network (HNLN) has championed waterway education through the 2025 Schools Wetland Challenge and the Resilient Rivers for Resilient Platypus community event, inspiring students to explore their local waterways and learn how to monitor and protect them. Congratulations to Lorien Novalis for winning this year’s Wetland Challenge!
HNLN has also launched the Wandering Wallabies, a roaming Landcare group undertaking environmental restoration across four LGAs — Hawkesbury, Penrith, Hills Shire, and Blacktown. Their focus includes weeding, planting, skill-building, and information sessions. Their first event, held on 18 July in East Kurrajong, saw volunteers tackling Lantana camara before enjoying a well-earned homemade soup and bread for lunch. If you’re keen to connect with your community, help your neighbours, or learn new skills, this is the group for you! To Find out more visit the HNLN Facebook page or contact the Local Landcare Coordinator at landcare@hrcc.nsw.gov.au.
Parramatta River Catchment Group
Camila Drierberg, Riverkeeper
Celebrate our River at Riverfest 2025
Riverfest is the Parramatta River Catchment Group’s (PRCG) annual celebration of the Parramatta River—and you’re invited to be part of it! This year’s festival runs from Saturday 20 September (World Clean Up Day) through to Sunday 28 September (World Rivers Day), making it the perfect time to reflect on the importance of healthy waterways and how we can protect them for future generations.
Throughout the week, a wide range of events and activities will take place right across the catchment, bringing communities together to connect with, care for, and learn about the river and its surrounding environment. Whether you’re a long-time local, a first-time visitor, or simply someone who loves the outdoors, there’s something for everyone at Riverfest.
Get involved with:
- Guided bushwalks and expert talks
- River and park clean-up events
- Hands-on sustainability workshops
- Kids’ nature activities
- Art and cultural experiences
- Documentary screenings and more
New events and opportunities to get involved will be added soon, so keep an eye on the website for the latest program updates.
Let’s come together to celebrate and protect this incredible natural asset at the heart of our region!
Wishing Camila All the Best in her Next Chapter
Camila joined the Parramatta River Catchment Group in July last year and quickly became a vibrant and valued part of the team. In her time with the LEP Program, she helped deliver a successful Riverfest, supported a range of education programs, and brought her trademark warmth, energy, and enthusiasm to everything she did. While we’re sad to see her leave, we’re thrilled for her next chapter with Blacktown City Council. Best of luck, Camila—and we’ll see you around!
