Youth Get Involved In Bowraville River Water Testing Project
By Andrea Ferrari - Nambucca Valley News of The Area
Motivated to make change, 24 young local people from Bowraville participated in an action-oriented leadership workshop run by OzGREEN’S Youth Leading the World team.
They were inspired after being involved in water testing of the Nambucca River with OzGREEN and
Nambucca Riverwatch, where a group of 60 conducted water testing and assessed river health around
Bowraville.
“Volunteers from Nambucca Riverwatch, which is supported by a start-up grant from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, have been consistently finding faecal coliform present at unsafe levels over recent months,”OzGREEN Co-founder Sue Lennox told News Of The Area.
“Faecal coliform being present indicates there is poo in the water.
“It could be from sewage, warm bloodedanimals or birds.
“Consequently, there’s a real risk of waterborne
diseases,” she said.
“We felt it important to do some follow up testing around Bowraville and invited local schools Bowraville Central School, St Mary’s Primary School and Tallowood Steiner School to get involved.” A cohort of 24 came from across the three local schools and gathered at the end of July at Bowraville Theatre for a two-day workshop hosted by OzGREEN with the objective of reviewing findings and creating an action plan for change.
The project is supported by a NSW Government Regional Youth Grant.
Emerging tired but delighted after the two-day leadership workshop, Sue said the experience had been incredibly heartening. “It’s so rewarding to see them face up to what’s going on and get their heads around it, work out what
they want to do to bring about change, and then go on to do something about it,” she said.
“What I love about this process is that we have absolute trust in their capacity to be change leaders and trust in their local know-how.
“They are the best ones to work out what to do,” she said.
At the end of the leadership workshop, a list of six main concerns was decided on by students. Students voted to continue the collaboration of the three schools.
“Their first project is to organise a river health day which will take place at the end of this school term.
“They want to do some weeding, tree planting and more water testing,” said Sue.
In addition, students voiced their intention to educate their classmates on these issues. The group aims to introduce a waste minimisation program at school and to plant vegetable gardens.
“It was wonderful to work collaboratively with teachers from local schools,” said Sue.
“The teachers really valued the students’ getting involved in real world STEM activities,” said Sue.
Linda Burke from Tallowood Steiner School said, “It was a big experience for the children in so many
ways and they returned to school inspired and ready for action.”
Alice Magner from St Mary’s Primary School said, “Such a great experience for our kids.
“I look forward to continuing this journey in the coming months.”
By Andrea FERRARI
rip - roaring results for riverwatch
By Andrea Ferrari - Nambucca Valley News of The Area
All three programs in OzGREEN’s Bellingen Riverwatch project are kicking goals in 2024.
The different programs are tailored to help protect local rivers in actionable and practical ways.
There's the macroinvertebrate (waterbug) monitoring citizen science program, a water quality monitoring citizen science program, and a community riverbank restoration program.
The macroinvertebrate monitoring citizen science program is the largest of its kind in the country.
Its recent and sixth event took place in June, bringing together community members to collect and accurately identify the waterbugs at six sites throughout the Bellingen and Kalang river catchments.
“This program also just released a range of free macroinvertebrate resources to connect community members, students and tourists with these incredible creatures that live in these unique and very healthy rivers,” Program Manager Amy Denshire told News Of The Area.
See www.ozgreen.org.au/macroresources to check them out.
“It takes a long time to support their growth until they’re established, and [young people] are already there on the ground every day. They are there playing basketball, skating, so if people come wanting to hurt the planting, they could be the ones who call them out.”
Bellingen Riverwatch's innovative resources have been used and adapted by any other sister citizen science groups, including the Manning River Turtle Group, Woopi/Woolgoolga River Working Group, and Positive Change for Marine Life.
The program's Steering Committee recently launched a comprehensive data portal that illustrates the monthly water quality data volunteers have collected, alongside other datasets they have collated periodically, including pesticides data, platypus eDNA data and macroinvertebrate data.
"Bellingen Riverwatch volunteers are currently collecting heavy metals data and these results will be added to the portal in the coming months also,” said Amy.
A paper about the program has been published in Frontiers in Environmental Science, an international journal, which compares the citizen science data to scientists' data for the water quality program.
Nakia Belema, a River Health Scientist from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, said, “It is a pleasure to be able to showcase the Riverwatch group's dedicated efforts through the publication of their data.
“As a scientist, to be a part of such a wonderful citizen science group, along with fostering their scientific curiosity, is deeply rewarding.
“This case study has provided an insight into what can be achieved with a highly motivated community group working collaboratively with professional scientists.
“The program has filled data gaps within the broader waterway monitoring programs, creating social and educational benefits for the whole community,” said Nakia.
Lastly, Riverwatch’s newest program, the community riverbank restoration project Bellingen Riverwatch has brought into fruition.
This program is very excited to announce a third event at this site – river youthfest - which will coincide with the youth climate and waterway event on Saturday 17 August during National Science Week and is currently putting out the call for young music artists who might be interested in performing.
Anyone interested can get in touch with lily@ozgreen.org.au.
By Andrea Ferrari.
thank you anton and anna !
After five years in their respective roles as CEO and Partnerships Manager, husband and wife team, Anna and Anton, have decided now is the time to step back and enable two talented long term employees to step up and lead the organisation into an exciting new chapter.
This month we took a few moments to reflect on their time with OzGREEN….
How did you both start working for OzGREEN?
Anton - A friend asked me to join the board of OzGREEN in 2017 and then in late 2018 I was asked to take on the role of CEO. I loved the work that OzGREEN was doing and was ready for a new challenge. It wasn’t a hard decision to say yes!
Anna - I’d dreamed of working for a not for profit organisation for many years. When OzGREEN’s Co-founder, Sue Lennnox, asked me to join OzGREEN I didn’t hesitate. The trust and belief that Sue bestowed in Anton and I was really quite extraordinary. What an amazing gift she gave us by letting us share her life’s work!
What was it like in the beginning?
Anton - It was full of possibilities! The first twelve months involved learning about OzGREEN’s existing programs and also exploring new areas for program development. In early 2019, Sue and I combined our skills to design a program focused on preparing the community for future climate related disasters. The program was very timely because by the end of 2019 we were experiencing the black summer bushfires, followed by a pandemic and then the floods. After a successful pilot program in Bellingen Shire, Resilient Communities went on to be delivered in over thirty locations across the North and Mid North Coast.
Anna - The early days involved a lot of grant writing and a lot of project delivery. OzGREEN’s social and environmental work resonated deeply with me and I was super keen to continue and expand upon it. It was a busy and exciting time!
What did you enjoy during your time at OzGREEN?
Anton - Working with an amazing group of smart, motivated and talented people who were committed to protecting the environment.
Anna - I agree one hundred percent!! There wasn’t a single day, over the last five years, where I didnt want to go to work. That’s largely because of all the wonderful people we worked with and also the type of work we were doing. As a group, we created something beautiful and special that will continue to have a ripple effect for many years to come.
Anton, how has OzGREEN evolved under your leadership?
Many years ago a boss once said to me; “Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you are…..and then get out of their way” So, that’s exactly what I did and that’s how OzGREEN has evolved!
Anna, what are some of the most impactful partnerships you’ve established?
A good partnership involves shared values, trust, respect, fairness, equity, accountability, regular communication and recognition of each partner organisations unique strengths. When the mix is right, positive impact unfolds very naturally! I’ve been so lucky to have been involved in many partnerships over the last five years. Every single one of them has helped to create a positive impact in one way or another. It would be really hard to single out one or two.
How have your roles at OzGREEN impacted you personally and professionally?
Anton - Working for OzGREEN has shown me how effective small organisations can be. OzGREEN has achieved so much over the last five years with very limited resources. My time at OzGREEN has also strengthened my commitment to sustainability and the environment.
Anna - The last five years have taught me that human beings are hardwired to care and to collaborate. As Partnerships Manager for OzGREEN, I’ve experienced so much love, kindness and generosity over the years, and for that I am extremely grateful. Most people really do want to make the world a better place. This innate human quality is precious and beautiful and it’s what continues to inspire and motivate me professionally and personally every single day.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind for the organisation?
Anton - I really wanted to create a workplace where employees were given opportunities to explore and grow, both personally and professionally. I hope all of OzGREEN’s employees continue to feel like they can make a positive difference in the world.
Anna - I hope OzGREEN continues to be a place where people feel heard, valued, supported and empowered. A place that works to address social and environmental challenges, while also prioritising people's happiness and well-being when making decisions and solving problems.
What’s next for both of you professionally?
Anton - I’ve just started work on a local road project that will deliver some really good outcomes for rural people who live in remote areas.
Anna - I’m still writing grants for Bellingen Shire, just for a different organisation.
What will you miss most about OzGREEN?
Anton - I’ll miss working with a group of dedicated, intelligent and motivated employees who consistently go above and beyond to make a difference. It has been a privilege to work with such an exceptional group of people.
Anna - I’ll miss everything! The work ethic, the professionalism, the fun, the laughter, and the excitement of delivering a diverse range of sustainability focussed programs and events. Together, as an organisation, we have delivered so many projects that have achieved positive social, environmental and economic outcomes. I have hundreds of wonderful memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
riveryouthfest gets Loud!
By Adam Norris, The Bellinger Valley Herald Newspaper
The theme of Youth Week 2024 is Express, Empower, Get Loud!, and OzGREEN intends to combine all three at the inaugural riveryouthfest.
Held at the Bellingen Skatepark on Saturday April 13, riveryouthfest is designed for young people aged 11 to 24 years and features musical acts, food, workshops, games and significantly, tree planting.
Co-organiser Amy Denshire believes that by combining these activities, attendees might be encouraged to play an active role in repairing and caring for their local environment.
“Because it’s adjacent to the skate park, we thought it would be really great to do an event that fosters ownership for young people over that planting, so they can help protect it in the years ahead,” Amy said.
“We’re going to try and do 18 events over the next three years and hope to plant over 2000 trees. So, we wanted the first few events to be youth focused, to really get pride over the space happening.”
The inspiration for riveryouthfest came in part from the YOUth Speak 2023 survey commissioned by the Neighbourhood Centres of Bellingen Shire, which saw young people identify the need for more local activities, music and workshops.
By holding it at the skatepark, it is hoped that those who most frequently use the area might also act as protectors of the project.
“It takes a long time to support their growth until they’re established, and [young people] are already there on the ground every day. They are there playing basketball, skating, so if people come wanting to hurt the planting, they could be the ones who call them out.”
Organisers are calling for 25 First Nations people (all ages) to help plant the first 100 trees, and 50 young people to plant the next 200 trees to acknowledge and respect our connection to the land.
The Budaabang Bari Dance Troupe will also be performing, as will local hip hop headliner, Jayess.
“Music has been influencing, helping and inspiring me my whole life,” he said.
“Seeing how artists can channel their energy into a song and create something that everyone can enjoy listening to and even learn from it is what really pushed me to make my own music.”
While the bulk of riveryouthfest is suitable for ages 11 and up, from 3.30pm organisers note that ages 15 and up is more appropriate due to a mature themes in the music.
“We’re looking to next year already,” Amy said.
“What I’d really like is event more young people designing the [next] festival, and bringing what they’d like to see. I’m really hoping that’s something that comes out of this event.”
Spotlight : Kathleen Hannah
This month, we are shining the spotlight on one of our Program Managers, Kathleen Hannah. Kathleen is dedicated, passionate and motivated. I am constantly inspired by her high quality work and her positive impact on the community.
Kathleen has been with OzGREEN for 3 years and wears many hats! She is the Program Manager for Resilient Communities, MyHive, CampMe and Rethink Waste - four of our newer programs that all work towards our mission of creating sustainable communities.
Kathleen is an inspiring woman to say the least! She is very passionate about reducing waste on this planet. We loved getting to know more about the woman behind the work - we hope you do too.
What is your role at OzGREEN?
I am one of the Program Managers at OzGREEN working across a range of projects focussing on youth opportunity, wellbeing and building sustainable communities. Working in this incredibly flexible role, for a very supportive organisation and being super passionate about waste has seen me design one of OzGREEN’s newest Programs : Rethink Waste. With ACTION at the heart, this program is delivered at events, supporting event managers to rethink their waste management systems, to role model effective waste streams and to educate event patrons about recycling, composting and items destined for landfill.
Rethink Waste has successfully diverted hundreds of litres of waste from landfill, instead recycling and composting these items keeping them in the loop. Thousands of simple, yet highly effective interactions with patrons at event bins stations have clarified and cleared up confusion around waste items. And let’s face it - there is a lot of conflicting information out there… who doesn’t need help when it comes to which bin to use!
Empowered with this knowledge, the people attending these events are then able to implement waste changes within their homes and workplaces creating a ripple effect of change, ultimately leading to less landfill generated and a greater awareness of finite resources. What’s not to love about that!
What do you love most about your role?
ACTION - supporting people to make change - the big and the small. I love that this is my job!
The Rethink Waste community is growing but we can do more - reach more people, divert more from landfill, inspire more change… but we can only do it with the help of our incredible volunteers. Working with Rethink is an amazing opportunity to reach an audience that often doesn’t engage in environmental education - everyone needs to go to the bin, right? It is a great way to develop confidence and communication skills and is suited to all ages. If you or someone you know is passionate about waste, wants to join a growing movement, or be part of positive change, I encourage you to get in touch. We are supporting the Made with Love Markets Coffs Harbour this Sunday, 3rd March, will be at the Dream on Festival Yarrawarra on Sunday, 21st April and at the Bellingen Show on the 4th and 5th May and are looking for volunteers to support these events. Register on our rethink page or on our events page.
What are you working on in terms of your personal sustainability at the moment, or what’s something you are proud of from your sustainability journey?
The past couple of years I have been developing a garden with a friend. It's a huge plot, with so much potential. We grow loads of delicious, fresh produce which inspires all sorts of tasty meals. But with all the growth comes the weeds…. sometimes the plot can feel overwhelming, especially in summer. Experiencing feelings of overwhelm while doing an activity that I love has been challenging for me. I have had to learn to step back, focus on small achievable steps, while working towards a much bigger goal.
The garden also represents a different type of sustainability - personal sustainability. The connection to nature, the joy of watching seedlings grow, the quiet, the mountain views and the time to dream. The relationship and connection I experience, working and chatting alongside a dear friend, sustains me and helps balance the more intense times of the week. By taking time to pursue activities that are important to me both mentally and environmentally I am able to be more present, productive and effective in other activities I do at home and at OzGREEN.
Bello’s local heroes recognised
Congratulations Sam Daykin on winning the Bellingen Shire Young Citizen of the Year Award!! We are so incredibly proud of you and everything you do for OzGREEN and the broader community. You are truly inspiring!
Congratulations Sam on winning the Bellingen Shire Young Citizen of the Year Award!! We are so incredibly proud of you and everything you do for OzGREEN and the broader community. You are truly inspiring!
by Andrea Ferrari, News Of The Area - Modern Media -February 2, 2024
BELLINGEN Shire’s 2024 Community Awards unfolded in a community ceremony at the Bellingen Memorial Hall on Thursday 25 January.
The evening began with a Welcome to Country from Gumbaynggirr Elder Michael ‘Micklo’ Jarrett and an official Citizenship Ceremony hosted by Bellingen Mayor Cr Steve Allan, followed by the Community Awards which recognised outstanding contribution to the community.
A strong turnout gathered at the Bellingen Memorial Hall to witness the celebration of individuals’ service to the community.
The Citizen of the Year Award went to Water Tyson. With 65 years of outstanding community service, Walter’s leadership and impact on organisations like the Urunga Anglers Club and Bellingen Lions Club are commendable, and at nearly 89, he continues to contribute actively.
Dorothy Carter received a Highly Commended for her tireless efforts in organising the Urunga Rail Centenary celebration and her commitment to community welfare and historical preservation.
The Young Citizen of the Year Award recipient was Sam Daykin, recognised for his exemplary community contributions. Their work with OzGREEN, revitalising community engagement at the Northbank Community Gardens and active participation in projects like YOUthspeak and the Becoming U living libraries, showcases their dedication to a sustainable future in the Shire.
The Home Grown Heroes Award winners are Jack Mitchell and Max Sandstrom, Responding to their friend, Eden Buckingham’s tragic suicide, they embarked on a remarkable 700km run, raising over $20,000 for Beyond Blue. Their resilience and commitment to youth mental health embody the spirit of true homegrown heroes.
Kerrie Nicol received a Highly Commended for her selfless dedication to Bellingen Hospital and raising $7,000 by recycling patient water bottles for the United Hospital Auxiliary.
The Sport and Recreation Award was shared by Caleb Daykin and Zac Young. Caleb was honoured for his swimming achievements, while Zac received recognition for his dedication and achievements in rugby union and league.
A Highly Commended was awarded to Riley Humphreys for his outstanding achievements in cricket and AFL, becoming the youngest award winner at just fifteen years old.
The new Rising Star Recognition Award aimed at acknowledging the work of youth , recognised nine programs under the YOUth Speak initiative.
In wrapping up the awards, Mayor Cr Steve Alan extended his congratulations to all the winners and nominees, thanking them for their efforts in making the Shire a more special place. He emphasised the importance of community nominations in identifying those who truly deserve recognition, noting the Shire’s 2024 Community Awards highlighted the remarkable indiviuals and groups shaping the Shire’s vibrant and caring community.
The nominations were contributed by the public, and the winners were selected by Shire councillors, reflecting the collective appreciation for the unsung heroes amongst the community.
OzGREEN launches youth social hub
By Andrea FERRARI
OzGREEN, the Bellingen- based international environmental education organisation, has launched its new weekly after-school social club, 'myhive'. Tailored for young people aged twelve to sixteen, myhive aims to provide a dynamic and engaging space for young individuals to connect, have fun, and foster a sense of community.
Starting from week two of term one, Tuesday 13 February 2024, myhive will be hosted at Yarrila Place in Coffs Harbour, offering a central and accessible location for local youth. The program is designed to be inclusive, providing a welcoming environment for adolescents to unwind, make new friends, and participate in a variety of social activities.
OzGREEN encourages parents and guardians to register their children for myhive.
Kaleb Ross, Youth Activities Coordinator at OzGREEN told News Of The Area, "We will explore different themes each week with a range of creative, physical, nature based and wellbeing activities. "Kicking off on Tuesday 13 February we'll be going on a nature walk and photo scavenger hunt, to observe and capture the diversity of life around us. "Following that the 19- week program activities will include: nature art, drumming, video making, yoga and relaxation, beach games, nature photography, eco crafts, indoor and outdoor games," he said.
Tailored for young people aged twelve to sixteen, myhive aims to provide a dynamic and engaging space to connect, have fun, and foster a sense of community.
OzGREEN encourages parents and guardians to register their children for myhive "to ensure they don't miss out on this exciting opportunity". Registrations are now open and can be completed online at www.ozgreen. org/myhivecoffs.
"Myhive is not just an after-school program. "It's a vibrant social club where young people can come together, share experiences, and build lasting connections," said Kathleen Hannah, the myhive program manager at OzGREEN.
"We believe in creating positive space for adolescents to thrive, and myhive is the perfect avenue for them to do just that."
Weekly on Tuesdays from 4-5.30pm, term one dates are 13 February to 9 April. Term two dates are 30 April to 19 July 2024. myhive is free to attend and includes afternoon tea. myhive is funded by the NSW Government's Regional Youth Investment Program.
Spotlight : Amy Denshire
This month, we are shining the spotlight on one of our Program Managers, Amy Denshire. Amy has been with OzGREEN in a project capacity since 2011, part-time since 2018, and first volunteered in our programs in 2009. She is the Manager for Communications, Bellingen Riverwatch and Nature Connection.
What does a typical day at OzGREEN look like for you?
My role at OzGREEN is very diverse and that’s the way I like it! I work on web and graphic design, event coordination, help with project concepts and designing programs. I support all staff with comms and I love that this means I get to connect with all of our wonderful team. I spend time training and mentoring junior staff which I really enjoy aswell. Every so often, I come out of my bat cave, and join in OzGREEN events. I love connecting with the community and this very much fuels me in the work that I do. Comms for me, is much more than messaging. Done well, it guides strategy, and I’m proud of the work I am doing within this realm at OzGREEN at the moment.
How did you come about to do this work in the world?
Ever since I can remember, I’ve wanted to make a positive difference in the world. I loved art, social studies and maths at school, and studied Industial Design, Education and Regional Community Development at Uni. Industrial Designers solve problems and this is definitely what I was put on this Earth to do! My brain absolutely LOVES solving problems.
I started working with Bellingen Riverwatch in 2018 and felt so welcomed instantly by the BR volunteer family. I had worked on science events before, but never citizen science, and I am totally hooked! With citizen science, and with communication - there’s so many dimensions to it - the problem is never solved, there’s always more refinement that can be done. My brain loves that complexity.
What are some things you love about your role?
The people I work with. Hands down. (Including the amazing OzGREEN volunteers!!!)
Also, the meaning for me behind the work.
At OzGREEN, we work within the four pillars of sustainability : Human, Social, Economic and Environmental. Previously, my community development work was solely driven by the impact it would create on the environment. In recent years, what drives me in this work has shifted more towards the social benefits. The drive for environmental benefits is still there - but at the forefront, for me, is the impact this work has on communities socially.
Mental health is an issue I am passionate about. I have seen enough evidence now to know, through-and-through, that the work I do at OzGREEN - in Bellingen Riverwatch, in Nature Connection events, and in comms - has a positive effect on people’s wellbeing (and helps the planet too!). This is what drives me everyday to do my best work in the world. I urge you to come to one of our Macro Musters to see what I mean! It’s strange how looking deeply at tiny bugs with a group of strangers for a few hours can make you feel so good - but there is science behind why it does - and believe me, it just does!
What are you working on in terms of your personal sustainability at the moment, or what’s something you are proud of from your sustainability journey?
I’ve lived with a composting toilet for seven years now and am proud of the impact that this is making. I‘m also eating more vegetarian these days. Both my young daughters are vego and whilst I am not, them being vegetarian inspires me to eat more vegetarian meals than I otherwise would. Yet another example of the younger generation leading the older generation!
What are some highlights from your work with OzGREEN?
The Macro Musters are definitely a regular highlight of my year. The Thrive Festival was so wonderful as well, plus I loved the Orama School Tree Planting workshop. Representing Bellingen Riverwatch to receive two national awards was also a highlight for me.
What are some things you’re working on at the moment with OzGREEN / what have you got coming up?
Lots coming up! The next big thing is Macro Muster 5. We’re going to be at the Growers Market this Saturday to promote it so come down, say g’day and meet some waterbugs! We’ve changed the format this round to dramatically increase the impact of the event, which I find exciting. We’re also planning bird walks, walks with Elders and tree planting workshops with High Schools at the moment, plus an Inter-school River Fun Day for local primary school students that’s happening early next year.
What’s one of your most memorable moments in nature?
I was witness to this incredible whale breach, standing at the edge of the baths in Newcastle East that I’ll never forget. Also, scuba diving, both on the Great Barrier Reef and in the Solitary Islands Marine Park.
What’s something that’s on your bucket list to do with nature?
I would love to snorkel with whale sharks on the Ningloo reef and see the night sky in the Australian desert.
Macro Muster 5 : A citizen science adventure connecting the community
OzGREEN invites all Bellinger and Kalang river users to participate in ‘Macro Muster 5’, a citizen science event at the Bellingen Showground on Friday 20th October from 4.00pm to 6.30pm, followed by a free community dinner.
This unique opportunity will encourage people who love and use the beautiful Bellinger River catchment to dive into the fascinating world of macroinvertebrates and learn about the very important role they play in keeping our rivers and our critically endangered species healthy.
The highly inclusive, highly interactive event aims to bring friends and families together for a fun and engaging, after-school and after-work activity that contributes to a meaningful cause. Experienced scientists and community mentors will work alongside participants to collect and identify waterbugs. The number and types of waterbugs found will tell a story about how healthy the river is and certain types of waterbugs are important for the diet of the critically endangered Bellinger River Snapping Turtle.
OzGREEN’s Bellingen Riverwatch’s Program Manager, Amy Denshire, is excited about the event saying,
" This event is a fantastic opportunity for friends and families to come together for a hands-on experience that not only connects them with nature but also empowers them to keep our rivers healthy. To show our gratitude to our community, we will also be offering a free thank you dinner afterwards so participants can get to know each other. The dinner is an optional waterbug masquerade, where you can wear a mask to look like your favourite waterbug - for a bit of fun!”
OzGREEN’s macroinvertebrate monitoring program is the largest of its kind in Australia and the upcoming event is an excellent opportunity for people in the Bellingen Shire to demonstrate their commitment to protecting their rivers, which are some of the healthiest rivers in Australia.
Amy adds,
“This event helps foster community connection and responsibility to care for the Bellinger River catchment. Please come down and have some fun, meet these little creatures that are so important for our rivers and learn something new about our local environment”.
The free event will be held in the Luncheon Pavilion at Bellingen Showground and is suitable for people aged eight and up. For more information, see www.ozgreen.org/macromuster
Dr Tracey MacDonald, Director of Water Wetlands and Coastal science at the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) said:
“DPE is really supportive of the Bellingen macroinvertebrate monitoring program as it’s a fabulous opportunity to connect our science and community science which builds better outcomes for the environment.”
DPE has recently released the Bellinger River Health Program 2017-2022 on the SEED portal so that anyone can access this data: Bellinger River Health Program 2017-2022: DPE Science, Water Quality and Macroinvertebrate data - Asset - Information Asset Register | NSW Environment & Heritage
The free event will be held in the Luncheon Pavilion at Bellingen Showground and is suitable for people aged eight and up. For more information, see www.ozgreen.org/macromuster
OzGREEN would like to thank DPE and its’ Saving our Species program, the Bellingen Shire Council, Arborgreen and Vendart Diagnostics for their support of this program. This event is being part-funded by the DPE Flood Recovery Water Quality Monitoring Project, delivered through the NSW Environment Protection Authority's Flood Recovery Program for Water Quality Monitoring, in partnership with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment. The Program is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Cultivating Hope - OzGREEN partners with Arborgreen
Arborgreen, a leading tree planting, horticulture and erosion control supply company is delighted to announce that it will sponsor local environmental charity OzGREEN.
The gold sponsorship will support OzGREEN’s work with young people on the North and Mid North Coast of NSW to plant trees, revegetate riverbanks and participate in environmental education activities and events over the next twelve months. Free events include several tree planting days to revegetate the riverbank at Gordonville Crossing, bushwalks with local ecologists to explore environmentally significant areas, an interschool fun day to learn about river health, a kayaking trip to investigate water quality and an overnight nature immersion camp.
United by shared values, Arborgreen and OzGREEN are setting an inspiring example of what is possible when like-minded organisations work together to create positive environmental change.
Below, Kaleb Ross, OzGREEN’s Youth Activities Coordinator, with students from Orama Public School at a recent tree planting event. Read more here.
Arborgreen’s Head of Marketing, Marc Jarvis, emphasises the company’s dedication to environmental protection, saying,
"we are passionate about tree planting and revegetation, and we want to support local environmental initiatives that contribute to creating a brighter future for Australia. We’re really looking forward to working with OzGREEN to achieve positive environmental outcomes for the North and Mid North Coast NSW”.
Arborgreen specialises in tree-planting, horticulture, revegetation, and erosion control supplies and is committed to a greener future. Sales executive, Mary-Claire King expresses her enthusiasm for nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards saying,
“I really hope that our sponsorship will inspire and empower lots of young people to get involved in caring for their local environment. Educating our youth is vital to a greener future. We hope that through this people can connect with Arborgreen as a trusted advisor, allowing us to help people who are caring for the land to achieve the best outcomes for all their future projects.”
Below, students protect newly planted trees at our recent tree planting event with Arborgreen’s biodegradable tree guards.
OzGREEN’s award winning environmental education programs support a growing network of young environmental leaders on the North and Mid North Coast of NSW. OzGREEN’s Partnerships Manager is thrilled with the sponsorship saying,
“One of our goals at OzGREEN is to create a huge network of people, organisations and government departments who are all working for the collective good. We aim to work with all sectors of society, including private enterprises that have similar values. Arborgreen is an ethical company and we are delighted that they are supporting young environmental leaders in our community”.
OzGREEN’s youth activities are also proudly funded by the NSW Government Regional Youth Investment Program.
For more information about Arborgreen please visit www.arborgreen.com.au
How do you identify the turtles of the Bellinger and Kalang Catchments?
The Bellingen Riverwatch Steering Committee has released a new resource to help community members to identify any turtles that they’ve seen locally, including the critically endangered Bellinger River Snapping Turtle.
There are three freshwater turtles known from the Bellingen area - the Eastern Long-necked Turtle, the Murray River Turtle and the critically endangered Bellinger River Snapping Turtle (BRST).
Firstly, there is no need to pick the animal up to identify it and it is never recommended to do so. Instead, there are four simple questions to ask to help tell these three turtles apart from each other.
The critically endangered Bellinger River Snapping Turtle is endemic to this area.
Image - Shane Ruming
The Eastern Long-necked Turtle lives in the Kalang River, in the Bellinger River (including downstream of Lavenders Bridge at Bellingen), in creeks and dams and on land, away from water, often crossing roads. The Murray River Turtle lives in the Bellinger River (mostly upstream of Lavenders Bridge at Bellingen), in the Kalang River, and is not usually seen on land unless basking or laying eggs and even then it will remain close to the water. The Bellinger River Snapping Turtle lives in a 60km stretch of the Bellinger River.
It is not ever recommended that you capture a turtle or pick it up, especially if it looks sick. However, if you find a sick or dead turtle on our rivers, please call Enviroline on 02 6659 8200.
Bellingen River Snapping Turtles have been successfully bred at Taronga Zoo Sydney and Symbio Wildlife Park since 2007, with several successful reintroductions into the wild.
Image - Paul Fahy
Bellingen Riverwatch is one of the largest water monitoring programs in Australia, which sees more than 60 community members working together with the scientific community to collect long term water quality and macroinvertebrate data, undertake river restoration activities and communicate information to support the protection of our rivers and ecosystems for future generations.
Waterbug Open Day stall at Bello markets
OzGREEN is partnering with Inspiring Australia to host a National Science Week ‘Waterbug Open Day’ stall at the Bellingen Growers Market on Saturday 12 August. This interactive event is an opportunity for people to learn about the role waterbugs play in helping scientists and the community understand the health of the Bellinger River. Activities involve waterbug challenges and prizes.
Bellingen Riverwatch co-coordinator Sam Daykin told News Of The Area, “OzGREEN’s Macro Open Day is so important for our community as we are aiming to foster curiosity amongst all ages and make science fun and accessible to everyone. “This event is part of a bigger citizen-science program, Bellingen Riverwatch, which has more than 60 volunteers come together across two programs to gather data, educate the community, and help protect our river systems.
“Participating in initiatives like these offers vital opportunities to proactively care for and preserve our natural environment, ensuring the protection of our rivers and ecosystems for generations to come,” he said. “We invite people of all ages to the stall and embark on a captivating adventure into the realm of macro invertebrates. We are aiming to foster curiosity amongst all ages with this event and make science accessible to everyone… and fun.”
Amy Denshire, Bellingen Riverwatch program manager said the rivers of the Belliunger and Kaling catchments were unique and some of the healthiest rivers in Australia. “All residents and tourists need to work together to protect what we have,” she said.
“Events like these help raise awareness about river health, the role that waterbugs play in the ecosystem, and the threatened species that rely on these rivers,” she said.
Bellingen Riverwatch began following a sever mortality event of the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle in 2015. This turtle is now listed as critically endangered and scientists estimate there are less than 200 turtles left in the river. Sam and Amy urged people to go along and hear more about this and numerous other projects and find out how to participate in future citizen-science activities.
Visit the market stall anytime between 8am and 11am, or if you would like an event reminder emailed to you, register at www.ozgreen.org/waterbug-open-day. Any questions, email Sam at sam@ozgreen.org.au
This National Science Week project is an OzGREEN initiative supported by the Australian Government. Part funded by the Bellingen Shire Council, it is supported by the Department of Planning and Environment’s Saving our Species Program.
Weather Watching 101 Community Workshops
WEATHER Watching 101 workshop in Coramba at the village’s Community Hall on Saturday 1 July was the first of three workshops focusing on understanding and reading the weather and preparing for weather events.
WEATHER Watching 101 workshop in Coramba at the village’s Community Hall on Saturday 1 July was the first of three workshops focusing on understanding and reading the weather and preparing for weather events.
Facilitated by Sue Lennox, co-founder of OzGREEN and supported by City of Coffs Harbour, Weather 101 will next be delivered in Sawtell on Saturday 22 July and in Woolgoolga on Saturday 5 August.
Following consecutive and compounding weather-related disasters, the City of Coffs Harbour has heard from the community that understanding severe weather and associated forecasts is a key factor in aiding their recovery.
In collaboration with OzGREEN, these free workshops are designed to build community capacity and preparedness for severe weather events such as flood, storm, fire, drought and heatwave.
Sue will explain how to read a synoptic chart, use reliable sources of weather information, how to follow warnings coming from emergency service broadcasts during severe events, including tracking rain and river heights during major rain events, and learn how to set up links to these weather sites.
Sue is a former science teacher who brings three decades of experience in citizen science and enabling communities to be informed and involved in caring for the environment, strengthening community resilience and living sustainably.
Speaking with News Of The Area after the first workshop in Coramba, Sue said she was delighted with how it went.
“The feedback from participants was that they really valued seeing how to follow major weather events, and also learn what a good daily practice involves,” she said.
“Participants had a clear recognition that we need to know how to monitor the weather, so we know what’s coming and to be prepared.
“Mostly I talked about what I do daily and how to step that up if it looks like there’s some more major weather coming,” she said.
“Living rurally outside of Bellingen I can get cut off by floods and I live near a forest, but equally if you’re living in the city, you need to know so you can prepare.”
Everyone left with some links to some useful sites, they can use on their own devices, and some useful plans about what they are going to do themselves.
“Understanding the weather is a key skill we should all have,” said Sue.
Weather 101 coming up in Sawtell and Woolgoolga will be tailored to their location.
The outcome of the workshops is to build community capacity and preparedness for severe weather events.
“We can never be too prepared,” said Sue.
All workshops begin at 2pm until 3.30pm and you must register to attend, “let us know you’re coming,” said Sue.
Learn more and register at www.ozgreen.org/weather101.
For any questions, email Sue at sue@ozgreen.org.au.
OzGREEN is a Bellingen-based charity that empowers communities to create a sustainable future.
Meet new people, bring a project to life together, and make change in your community!
Change Makers 2: Meet new people, bring a project to life together, and make change in your community!
Change Makers, is an innovative program run by OzGREEN and is set to empower young people and inspire them to lead positive change across the Coffs Coast.
Change Makers recognises that young people possess unique perspectives, fresh ideas, and boundless enthusiasm, making them a driving force for innovation and progress.
OzGREEN’s Change Makers Program Manager Kathleen Hannah says,
“In today's rapidly changing world, it is more important than ever to foster the next generation of leaders who are passionate about making a difference. Change Makers aims to harness the energy, creativity, and determination of young people and provide them with the tools and support they need to transform their visions into reality.”
Through the Change Makers platform, participants will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers from diverse backgrounds, creating a vibrant and dynamic community. Proudly funded by the NSW Government Regional Youth Investment Program this free 10-week journey combines mentorship and collaborative projects, allowing young individuals to develop valuable skills including leadership, problem-solving, event management, storytelling and social media engagement, while making a meaningful impact on their communities.
"The supportive environment created within this program enables young people to connect with like-minded individuals and develop their skills and passion through lived experience," says Sam Daykin, Youth Activities Coordinator at OzGREEN.
Whether you have an exciting idea or are simply passionate about making a difference, Change Makers invites you to join this community of young leaders. Together, we can bring about transformative change and build a brighter future for our communities and the world.
Register for Change Makers 2, or visit ozgreen.org/changemakers for more information. For questions, please contact Sam on sam@ozgreen.org.au.
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW visits OzGREEN
We were delighted to spend an hour on the banks of the beautiful Never Never Creek in Bellingen Shire with Her Excellency The Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC Governor of NSW and some of our Bellingen Riverwatch partners.
We were delighted to spend an hour on the banks of the beautiful Never Never Creek in Bellingen Shire with Her Excellency The Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC Governor of NSW and some of our Bellingen Riverwatch partners.
The Governor and her husband, Mr Denis Wilson, were very interested in the Critically Endangered Bellinger River Snapping Turtle and the ways in which the Bellingen Shire community is working together with State and Local Government to ensure the Bellinger River remains healthy to support all life forms for many generations to come.
Bellingen Riverwatch volunteers and staff collected a waterbug sample to showcase Bellingen Riverwatch’s macroinvertebrate monitoring program, the largest of its kind in Australia.
Hosted by Sue Lennox, AM, and Anton Judovalkis from OzGREEN, speakers included Josh Maher and Natalie Engelman, Australian Fauna Management, Andrew Yager, from Bellinger Landcare, Amy Denshire from OzGREEN, Justine Elder from Bellingen Shire Council and Bellingen Riverwatch volunteers, Helen and Tess.
A huge thanks to our Bellingen Riverwatch partners - the Department of Planning and Environment and its Saving our Species Program, the Department of Planning and Environment’s Flood Recovery Program for Water Quality Monitoring, Bellingen Shire Council, Healthy North Coast, Vendart Diagnostics, North Coast Local Land Services, and Apex Enviro Solutions - and our community volunteers as well as the Governor of NSW for recognising the important environmental work being done in Bellingen Shire.
For more information about Bellingen Riverwatch, visit www.ozgreen.org/br or contact Sam on sam@ozgreen.org.au.
Youth Leading The World Coffs Coast Gather To Plan Action On Social Change
Youth Leading The World (YLTW) Coffs Coast, organised by OzGREEN, takes place 9am-4pm Wednesday 12 July to 9am-4pm Thursday 13 July at The Link, Toormina. The YLTW gathering is a free two-day event bringing together young people aged 12 to 25 who are interested in the environment and sustainability.
By Andrea Ferrari, News of the Area - Modern Media - July 2, 2023
Youth Leading The World (YLTW) Coffs Coast, organised by OzGREEN, takes place 9am-4pm Wednesday 12 July to 9am-4pm Thursday 13 July at The Link, Toormina.
The YLTW gathering is a free two-day event bringing together young people aged 12 to 25 who are interested in the environment and sustainability.
Facilitated by the YLTW team they will tackle local and global challenges such as energy, food, biodiversity, water quality and climate change and plan together about how they can lead positive social change.
Fully catered, this is a free event funded by the NSW Government through the Regional Youth Investment Program.
The workshop-style event is an opportunity for young people to share their concerns about things that affect them locally as well as more global issues.
Sue Lennox AM, Co-Founder OzGREEN and Founder of Youth Leading the World told News Of The Area, “For the participants it can be a game-changer for them to hear another young person’s views and challenges.
“Often, we hear from young people that it’s the first time they feel they’ve been heard.
“We quite deliberately create this space for them to be really listened to, and then to find their own voice; it is so exciting to see them come alive,” she said.
An important part of the event is the participatory process with the facilitators where the young people identify their biggest social concerns and develop a vision.
“Once they have the vision, we ask them how they can create change, and what can they actually see themselves doing?”
The aim is for participants to come out of the experience with a plan for what they want to do and their first steps.
“Everything is developed by the young people, in their words and with a clear plan of action,” said Sue.
The final hour of the event is devoted to a youth-led community forum where the participants report back.
“It’s just amazing to see these amazing young people who were shy and uncertain when we first met, standing up before adults, clearly stating their case.
“In our recent YLTW event at Tweed Heads, a young man came back with his views as a rap.
“It was amazing; he didn’t mince his words,” said Sue.
YLTW is a program founded by Sue in 2009, which came from OzGREEN’s ongoing commitment to enable young people to find how they can make a difference in the world.
An evolution of the original program, “we’re now training local people to facilitate the training in their own region,” she said.
What this means for the young people in 2023 is that they can be part of the presenting team at bigger events.
“If they would then like to, they can step up and run a congress as part of the global program that we’ll be running later in the year where young people from all around the world will be telling their story.”
For more information about YLTW Coffs Coast please contact Kaleb Ross, OzGREEN’s Youth Activities Coordinator, at kaleb@ozgreen.org.au or phone 0403 295 638
Find out more and register for this event (registrations essential) at www.ozgreen.org/yltwcoffs
Innovation not wasted as Bello Show wins big
The Agricultural Societies Council of NSW is the peak body of 192 Agricultural Show Societies across the State, and on Sunday, June 17th, the Bellinger River Agricultural Society (BRAS) – the organisation responsible for the Bellingen Show – beat out the competition to win the 2023 AgShowsNSW Innovation Award. A significant component of this award was built on a budding partnership with OzGREEN.
By Adam Norris, Bellingen Shire News - June 22, 2023
The Agricultural Societies Council of NSW is the peak body of 192 Agricultural Show Societies across the State, and on Sunday, June 17th, the Bellinger River Agricultural Society (BRAS) – the organisation responsible for the Bellingen Show – beat out the competition to win the 2023 AgShowsNSW Innovation Award.
Representatives from sixty other show societies were present at the awards, with the Bellingen Show emerging victorious ahead of Armidale to come home with the trophy.
BRAS committee member, Richard Martin, was the principal author of their submission. It identified several key insights that the organisation has adopted to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Show.
This included:
Facilitating renewal and change, including drives to attract skilled volunteers to spread workloads more equitably, and promote greater efficiency across all sectors.
The appointment of a Show Coordinator to professionally work across a cross-section of Show activities.
The integration of new technologies, particularly in terms of ticketing and online services, including cloud-based accounting systems.
Funding new initiatives, including grants and sponsorship.
The identification of three key innovation objectives; to ensure that the Show remains relevant to the community that supports it; managing the workload for the group of volunteers that organise and run the Show: and maintaining the financial integrity of the Society.
A significant component of this award was built on a budding partnership with OzGREEN.
OzGREEN were approached to provide onsite education about recycling and the management of waste disposal during the Show. This involved OzGreen manning waste stations throughout the Showground to ensure the appropriate sorting of waste, and taking responsibility for the removal and local composting of organic material.
It is estimated that 25% of 2023 Show waste was subsequently diverted from landfill, with compostable materials then donated to community gardens.
The BRAS Committee will now develop a comprehensive waste management plan for implementation at the 2024 Bellingen Show.
“The Show Committee has introduced a suite of initiatives in recent years to ensure the sustainability of the Bellingen Show,” said BRAS President Susan Lumsdaine.
“The AgShow NSW Innovation Award is an acknowledgement of Bellinger River Agricultural Society’s vision to be an engaging, educating, entertaining and sustainable event. It celebrates the Show Committee’s efforts to ensure we have a vibrant Bellingen Show well into the future.”
To find out more about Rethink, OzGREEN’s events waste program, visit www.ozgreen.org/rethink-waste
Get Funded! Learn Grant Writing with OzGREEN's Free Online Workshop
Join OzGREEN's free online grant writing workshop on May 17th, and learn how to turn your community vision into a reality.
Register at www.ozgreen.org/grantwriting.
Are you looking to turn your community vision into a reality?
Do you want to secure funding for your community project, but don't know where to start?
OzGREEN has got you covered with their upcoming online grant writing workshop!
If you're a past participant of OzGREEN's Resilient Communities Program, then this workshop is definitely for you. The workshop is free of charge and will be held online via Zoom on Wednesday, May 17th, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm.
OzGREEN's Partnerships Manager, Anna Juodvalkis, will share her knowledge on grant writing and take you through her step-by-step process on how to secure government grants for your community project.
Anna will cover a variety of topics, including what government grants are and why they are important, how to match your community needs to government funding priorities, and how to find grantmakers.
The workshop will also help you to organize your thoughts and write that winning grant. Learn how to effectively write a grant application that stands out to grantmakers!
If you're interested in attending the workshop, register at www.ozgreen.org/grantwriting.
This is a great opportunity to get advice on grant writing and to help your community thrive. We hope to see you there!
Youth to lead environmental change
Each Tuesday throughout May and June, young people across the Bellingen Shire will have the opportunity to develop their environmental leadership skills in the Change Makers after-school program.
By Adam Norris, Bellingen Shire News - April 25, 2023
Each Tuesday throughout May and June, young people across the Bellingen Shire will have the opportunity to develop their environmental leadership skills in the Change Makers after-school program.
Developed by OzGREEN and held between 4pm and 5:30pm at the Coffs Harbour Botanical Gardens, this free program is followed by the Youth Leading the World two-day congress held on July 12th and 13th.
19-year-old OzGREEN Youth Activities Coordinator Sam Daykin believes that the best way to encourage environmental stewardship amongst youth is to first forge engaging, entertaining connections with the natural world.
“Young people can know and understand a lot of things, but until we experience it, it’s hard to build that passion for it. I think even though Bellingen is quite green, and a lot of people do care,
“I think building on those connection can really strengthen that passion. That’s the question we’re helping to answer – why do we care about the environment?”
While OzGREEN’s youth programs generally target people aged twelve to twenty-five, the Change Makers program is designed for a slightly younger demographic.
Kids aged ten to sixteen will have the opportunity to develop a range of skills related to conservation, sustainability and leadership.
“Each week has a theme. For example, one week will be the fashion industry, where we work on upcycling some of our old clothes with natural dying techniques.
“You [transform] an ugly t-shirt into something beautiful and with no waste, which is the main reason we’re looking at doing that. There’s also cooking with solar ovens, which is a great way for young people to see there are different ways of doing everyday tasks.”
“The program itself is running in two parts. Stage One of the program, which runs through the second term of school, is focused on building that connection with the environment, and the Second Stage in term three follows into asking, ‘What can you see yourself doing to care for the environment?’”
“So after going through and building these skills together as a group and [deciding] how they want to protect the environment, OzGREEN will then support those young people in doing that or get external people to come in and do courses with them.”
While the Change Makers program is a unique opportunity for youth-driven change, it is not the only local pathway to nature-based education.
There are a variety of hands-on events and workshops OzGREEN will be running throughout the year, including Gumbaynggirr talks, mental health skill-building, bird identification walks, and more.
“We’re doing activities like water-testing kayak trips, because it’s not only fun but you’re learning something as well.
“We’re doing macro-invertebrate studies, looking at these little bugs in the river and playing games around that to see just how much life there is in that river you’re swimming in.
“We’re also looking at doing a tree-planting festival, which is focused on learning about land conservation in a fun way. We’ve got a lot up our sleeves at the moment.”
Sam is hoping to encourage a large number of the Shire’s youth to attend the Change Maker program, and OzGREEN are willing to offer assistance in organising car-pools to the Botanical Gardens for those who might otherwise struggle to participate.
Change Makers is held from May 2nd to June 27th every Tuesday from 4pm to 5.30pm
To find out more, visit www.ozgreen.org/changemakers
OzGREEN’s Thrive Festival : A Heartwarming Success
EXCEEDING expectations, OzGREEN’s inaugural Thrive Festival on Saturday 4 March at Bellingen Showground drew hundreds of people in and around Bellingen Shire who came, enjoyed and went happy and inspired.
by Andrea Ferrari, News Of The Area - Modern Media - March 10, 2023
EXCEEDING expectations, OzGREEN’s inaugural Thrive Festival on Saturday 4 March at Bellingen Showground drew hundreds of people in and around Bellingen Shire who came, enjoyed and went happy and inspired.
OzGREEN’s festival headline, Creating Thriving Communities Together, invited and encouraged people to embrace the opportunity to be part of a caring, inclusive and vibrant community.
Organised by Bellingen-based not-for-profit charity OzGREEN, Thrive Festival aimed to bring the whole community together to create a sense of belongingness after the series of disasters that residents have experienced in recent years.
Festival goers were encouraged to choose from a plethora of free activities spread out over the day and the love and kindness extended by participating groups and people in the community was truly remarkable.
“We’re over the moon with how the day unfolded,” Festival Coordinator Alex Moller told News of the Area.
“It was beautiful to see such a broad cross section of our community mingling together in such a happy and joyful way, after the difficult few years we’ve all had.”
In addition to creating a sense of togetherness, another goal of Thrive was to showcase the wealth of local knowledge and skills available within the Bellingen Shire community.
OzGREEN’s Resilient Communities Coordinator Bruce Naylor told NOTA, “We’re very lucky in Bellingen Shire to have so many passionate groups that can help people prepare for future climate related challenges.
“One of our biggest aims for Thrive was to bring lots of groups together to provide them with an opportunity to network and collaborate.”
Another objective of Thrive was to educate people and to role model various actions that we can all take to live more sustainably.
“The waste generated through over consumption is not good for the environment and is also really unnecessary,” Festival Manager Kathleen Hannah told NOTA.
“Because of this, we decided to do everything we possibly could to eliminate festival waste.
“This involved asking all our food vendors to commit to using tableware instead of disposable packaging and asking festival goers to return their tableware to collection stations located throughout the grounds.
“We also asked festival participants to deposit their food waste into strategically positioned compost bins.”
All of this required an enthusiastic team of tableware runners and washing up volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the day.
“I was so inspired by their energy and am very proud to say that we only generated two 240L bins of waste over the entire day and only a fraction of one yellow bin,” Kathleen said.
“The compostable material has also been sent to North Bank Community Gardens to be broken down and eventually used to grow more food.”
With the favourable response to Thrive, OzGREEN is already thinking about ways in which it might be able to secure future funding to run this much-loved event again.
“Thrive was inspiring and uplifting because it demonstrated what we can do when we work together as a collective,” Partnerships Manager Anna Juodvalkis told NOTA.
“So many different people across the community contributed to the day and this is what made it such a success.
“We really need to come together like this more often because it’s such a wonderful way to appreciate and activate some of our finest universal values including love, respect and goodwill towards one and all.”
Thrive 2023 was funded by the NSW State Government via Bellingen Shire Council through the Reconnecting Regional NSW – Communities Events Program.
As a charitable organisation that is committed to working with a wide variety of groups and government agencies, OzGREEN is very grateful and appreciative for this support.