About the Mid North Coast
| President | Brett Neil | 0428 961 470 | mncoast@npansw.org.au |
| Secretary | Coleta Richards | 0425 229 503 | mncoast-secretary@npansw.org.au |
| Activities | Barry Wise | 0438 319 767 | mncoast-activities@npansw.org.au |
| Membership and Communications | Maree Wise | 0411 257 912 | mncoast-membership@npansw.org.au |
Early History
Forested areas were heavily logged by early settlers and land cleared for farming. NSW Forestry Corporation is still very active in the Mid North Coast with dairy and beef cattle still productive. Coastal land is under pressure for housing development.
The branch was formed on 16 Sep 1979 in response to a large campaign to save north coast rainforests from logging. Initial meetings were met with feisty community opposition; however, the activists’ efforts were not to be thwarted. Many of our now beloved national parks were reserved following this community action.
Early NPA founders included Hugh Veness, Col Davies, Grace Easterbrook, Isobel Lee and Christine Dennis. NPA has been active in the Mid North Coast area for those 46 years, in conservation and recreational activities.
Members are drawn from the coastal region between Seal Rocks and South West Rocks and the coastal hinterland. Major National Parks include Wallingat, Booti Booti, Coorabakh, Crowdy Bay, Bago, Khappinghat (Saltwater), Hat Head, Werrikimbe with many Nature Reserves in addition.
Traditional Owners
The diverse natural environments along the coastal plain -rainforests, river floodplains, heath lands, sandy plains, dunes, swamps, estuaries and tidal reaches of the foreshores-provided local Aboriginal tribes (Worimi, Biripi and Thungutti) with abundant food sources, such as plants, birds, mammals, fish, shellfish and crustaceans for thousands of years prior to white settlement. We aim to continue the tradition of respect and care for the land and sea.
Activities
All members are encouraged to enjoy the extensive bushwalking program. Activities range in difficulty from easy to hard and will suit people of all ages with a reasonable level of fitness. Occasional kayaking, cycling and camping excursions are on offer.
A weekly update email is issued to all members with Quarterly Newsletters and Branch Meetings.
Just contact any of the people above with enquiries.
Crowdy Bay ‘Bitou Bush Bash’
East coast sand mining once contributed a large part of the world’s supply of zircon and rutile as far back as 1936. However, this mining ceased to be profitable and ended in the 1970s, leaving a swathe of destruction along the NSW coast. The coastal strip from Crowdy Head to Dunbogan was “restored” by mining companies and the formation of Crowdy Bay National Park followed.
A degraded landscape dominated by Bitou Bush was placed in the care of NSW National Parks ranger, Mike Dodkin, who called for help from NPA volunteers. The twice yearly Bushcare camp at Kylies Beach in Crowdy Bay National Park has continued with great success for 46 years. Volunteers travel statewide to attend and contribute to the work and fun.
Contact Co-ordinator Sue Baker suebaker15@bigpond.com or above contacts.
Newsletters
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