The Nature Conservation Council’s 2025 Regional Conference is set to take place in Blayney on June 14 and 15, bringing together communities, campaigners, and conservationists from across the Central West. With the theme Lifeblood: Connections of Rivers, Country and Community, the conference will explore the deep ties between people, land, and water in a region facing complex environmental challenges.
The two-day event will feature a packed program of talks, workshops and field visits, aimed at sharing knowledge and building collective action on some of the state’s most pressing ecological issues — from river restoration and mining impacts, to biodiversity protection and the energy transition.
Highlights include a Welcome to Country by Wiradyuri Elder and artist Aunty Nyree Reynolds, setting a strong cultural foundation for the weekend. Saturday’s program features a series of fast-paced “lightning talks” from local groups working on land, water and climate, offering a snapshot of grassroots activity and innovation across the region.
A keynote panel discussion will bring together respected voices on the frontlines of environmental advocacy, including Lisa Paton, Bev Smiles, Janet Walk and Frances Retallack, to speak on mining, water and resistance. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a range of workshops focused on river health, biodiversity, community organising and creative activism.
Saturday concludes with the premiere screening of a new documentary about the community of Wollar, which has spent over two decades resisting the impacts of mining on their lives and landscape.
On Sunday, participants will embark on a field trip to significant ecological and cultural sites in the region, including Cadia Mine, the Belubula River headwaters, and a long-running permaculture property in Newbridge.
The conference will be held at the Blayney Shire Community Centre. Tickets are $50 for waged attendees and $35 for unwaged, and include catering on both days. Entry is free for First Nations people and those under 25.
This year’s event promises to be more than a conference — it is a platform for connection, learning, and action. Whether you’re based in the Central West or travelling from further afield, the weekend offers a valuable opportunity to engage with the people and projects shaping the region’s environmental future.
View the full program and book your ticket now at: events.humanitix.com/nature-conservation-council-nsw-regional-conference-2025-central-west-nsw
