Manning Coastcare's 30th Anniversary
Celebrating "30 years past, 30 years future" with Manning Coastcare
Capacity building - LEP23_026_LLC
The issue
Manning Coastcare was formed in 1995 when representatives from Old Bar Dune Care, Hallidays Point Landcare and Harrington Landcare came together to coordinate their work and take advantage of new funding opportunities.
Since then, the group has worked effectively and consistently restoring native ecosystems on public land along the 40km stretch of the Manning coast, from Crowdy Head down to Hallidays Point. Though fluctuating over time, Manning Coastcare has had a consistent core of about five working groups, strung along the length of the coastline.
Manning Coastcare Committee wanted to mark the 30th Anniversary occasion, and, with the support of LLC – Coast, Helen Kemp, developed a program of events and media resources.
The solution
Two main events were organised – on the first of August an informal social gathering for Manning Coastcare members and committee, as a thank you to the volunteers doing the work on ground week in and week out.
On the evening of the 22nd August, we had a more formal affair, with current and past Manning Coastcare members and Committee gathering with our partners from MidCoast Council, MidCoast2Tops Landcare Connection, Hunter Local Land Services, and OzFish to watch the Manning Coastcare 30th Anniversary short film, and to celebrate.
The impact
Over 30 members attended the social gathering, with lunch provided by MidCoast Council, and the Harrington Lions Club. Manning Coastcare vice president Tony Wales gave an engaging talk on the history and future challenges of caring for our stretch of coastline.
At the evening celebration, Uncle Will Paulson, respected Worimi Elder, gave us a wonderful and heartfelt Welcome to Country. MidCoast Council Deputy Mayor Jeremy Miller spoke about the vital importance of groups like Manning Coastcare to our area, and the strong relationship between MCCG and Council.
Manning Coastcare Founder and President Daintry Gerrand gave us all a wonderful "bird's eye view" of the group's history, the changes the Manning coastline has been through and is facing into the future. Tony Wales thanked Daintry on behalf of the rest of the Committee and gifted her with a beautiful artwork of Coastal Banksia by a local artist.
Key facts
- Manning Coastcare members and partners brought together to celebrate an important milestone