To mark the 40th anniversary of the Hunter Wetlands Centre, a commemorative book, ‘40 Years of Restoration and Conservation’, shares the inspiring account of how dedicated members of the community transformed a disused and degraded site into an internationally significant Ramsar-listed wetland.
This beautifully crafted book chronicles the remarkable journey of a passionate group of Novocastrians who, in the early 1980s, rallied against plans to turn a neglected area into a rubbish dump.
Instead their vision and determination led to the creation of the Hunter Wetlands Centre, an award-winning hub for conservation, education and recreation that is now a thriving wetland ecosystem, flourishing with flora and fauna including migratory birds and threatened species.
“This book is more than a history; it is a celebration of the power of community action,” said General Manager, James Wilson.
“It tells the incredible story of how ordinary people stood up for nature, creating a thriving ecosystem that has become a beacon for conservation efforts across the state and beyond.”
The story begins in the early 1980s when the estuary wetlands surrounding Newcastle were under threat. The unusual site of four species of Australian egrets nesting in a Shortland swamp and the risk the wetlands may be lost under landfill, became the catalyst for forming the Hunter Wetlands Trust in 1984. Thanks to the groundswell of community support, the Trust was able to purchase the defunct Hamilton Rugby Club building and Marist Park playing fields at Shortland and turn the derelict site into a showcase Wetlands Centre for conservation, education and recreation.
Peter Nelson, Chair of the Hunter Wetlands Centre Board said just as many people contributed to the success of the Centre, so did many people contribute to the creation of the book, including Linda Rowan who took on the enormous task of editing and designing it.
Linda, who only started volunteering at the Centre a year ago, said they were blessed to have so many people put their hands up to share their stories.
“These people have not just built a place; they have built a place that is able to self-propagate and provide a haven for both people and wildlife.
“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to delve into the history of this place. This book might have my name on it, but it is a book that is thanks to everyone.”
The wetlands are not just a place of extraordinary beauty and conservation, the book also highlights the Centre’s role as a hub for education and research, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards, and influencing wetland conservation management internationally.
James said they hope the book encourages others to recognise the value of wetlands and the vital role they play in our ecosystem.
“Our success over the past 40 years is thanks to the dedication of our volunteers, staff and supporters as well as the strong partnerships with local organisations and corporate sponsors including Port Waratah who generously supported this commemorative book project.”
Port Waratah has had a long standing partnership with the Centre over the years and Karen Marples, Sustainability & Community Relations Advisor, said it is a privilege to be a part of the forty year celebrations.
“It’s great to hear these stories of how it all began and learn how the focus hasn’t changed from education, restoration and conservation. It has touched so many young children’s minds who are now able to bring their own children here to learn about nature, about wildlife, and about community. Because at the heart of this place is community.”
| Copies of the book can be purchased in person at the Hunter Wetlands Centre at Shortland or online https://www.wetlands.org.au/40th-anniversary-book |
