When: Saturday, 4th & Sunday, 5th June 2022
Time: from 8.30am on Saturday.
Where: Echidna Gully, 331 Chinamans Gully Road, Metz, NSW

N.B. Registration: by Wednesday, 25th May 2022

The Regional Conference 2022 will be co-hosted by Nature Conservation Council NSW (NCC), Sustainable Living Armidale, Climate Action Armidale, and the Armidale Branch of the National Parks Association of NSW. It will be held at Echidna Gully, which is 30km east of Armidale - including a drive on unsealed roads.

NCC is the peak body for environment groups in NSW.

The conference theme this year is Nature, Climate Change and Renewables and will explore the challenges of how we can protect nature, minimise the impacts of climate change, and undertake the necessary transition to renewable energy. A number of renewable energy projects proposed around Armidale and across NSW are posing some significant risks to nature - including the clearing of habitat for new transmission lines.

The program of the conference can be viewed here.

The aims of the conference are to:

• Share what we value of our environmental and cultural heritage on the Northern Tablelands and wider region; 
• Showcase environmentally sustainable initiatives; 
• Discuss threats and opportunities for our environments and workshop key actions needed; 
• Facilitate information sharing, skills development and collaborative planning on key policy and campaign issues;
• Provide opportunities for networking between organisations, groups, and conference attendees;
• Strengthen working relationships between groups; and
• Inspire effective and active involvement.

There will be a day of workshops and panel discussions, followed by a conference dinner in the evening and a field trip nearby on Sunday morning. There is a 20-person bus which will be available in case people don't have their own transport.

Everyone is welcome to attend this event. There will be something for everyone - no matter your level of knowledge or experience. Tickets are also free for those under the age of 25 and First Nations people.

Please bring cold weather gear - Armidale is known to reach sub-zero temperatures in June.

Location and travel: Echidna Gully is located 30km east of Armidale, which includes a drive on unsealed roads. There is access to a bus that can transport people to and from Armidale if needed.

Please ensure you register for this event by Wednesday, 25th May to cover catering for all dietary requirements. Morning tea, lunch,and afternoon tea is provided on Saturday, plus Sunday lunch.

Virtual attendance: If you wish to attend the conference via Zoom, live stream of the main sessions will be provided. You can choose this ticket type and you will receive the program and a zoom link before the day.

For any difficulties, questions or requests for late registration, please phone Garry (SLA) on 0418 249 912.