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. We bring together grassroots environment groups across the state.

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 accessed 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

We will have 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 ensure you bring cold weather gear - Armidale is known to reach sub-zero temperatures in June.

Location and travel: Echidna Gully is located at 331 Chinamans Gully Road, Metz, NSW 2350 and is 30km east of Armidale which includes a drive on unsealed roads. We have access to a bus that can transport people to and from Armidale if needed.

Accommodation: There are plenty of accommodation options available at the conference venue with prices ranging between $17.50 and $150 per night depending on room size, quality and whether you're happy to share with others. We will ask about this in the booking process and will get in touch with you following.

Important: Please try to register by the 29th May to ensure we can cater to your dietary requirements as Saturday morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and Sunday lunch will be provided. We will try to accommodate late registrations but cannot guarantee food or accommodation options.

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