Calling Cessnock locals to help save our neighbours
Long-time locals such as the Regent Honeyeater and Bynoe’s Wattle have lived in the Cessnock area for thousands of years – but now they need a hand.
With both species listed as threatened, the NSW Government’s Saving our Species (SoS) program and researchers have joined forces to get a better understanding of the way the community values its environment.
We are urging residents in the Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA) to help by completing a short survey online here or via a mailbox drop before mid-September.
The NSW Saving our Species program and researchers from the University of Newcastle and Griffith University are looking for new ways to partner with communities to boost the conservation of local flora and fauna.
The survey is one part of a project made possible by a $250,000 NSW Environmental Trust grant.
Until now, the local community’s knowledge has been relatively untapped which is why we are turning to residents to help increase our conservation efforts.
The project aims to change how governments work with regional communities in caring for their local threatened species.
The NSW Saving our Species Program is a groundbreaking initiative of the NSW Government focused on urgently safeguarding local threatened species and ecological communities in the wild over the next 100 years.
It takes more than one person to make a difference, especially with an increase in severe weather events as seen in the Hunter region over the past few years. These climate changes not only impact people but also other species who share our home.
For more on Saving the Species see online Saving our Species | NSW National Parks or fill out the outline survey at uninewcastle.questionpro.com.au/cessnock.
Quotes attributable to Dr Chloe Killen, Senior Social Researcher with NSW DCCEEW and Research Fellow with the University of Newcastle
“We know there is significant species loss throughout this region, and at an alarming rate. We also know local people are best placed to respond because they have the local knowledge we need to support local conservation efforts.
“Whether it be a local bird like the Regent Honeyeater, a plant like Bynoe’s Wattle, or an endangered ecological community like the Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland, these plants and animals are a big part of what makes living here ‘our place’.
“Our project brings these relationships to the forefront of people’s minds and will inform any actions in the future.”
Quotes attributable to Aaron Mulcahy, Senior Conservation Planning Officer with NSW DCCEEW
“Our team examines species under threat and develops plans to identify what we can to protect them.
“Communities play a critical role in conservation which is why we are keen to hear directly from local people and communities, who have an incredible wealth of knowledge that could inform our conservation work significantly.”
Want to get involved?
Residents of Cessnock LGA can help by completing a short 10–15 minute Community Insights survey by 10 September 2025. QuestionPro link: uninewcastle.questionpro.com.au/cessnock.
