Australian Plants Society Hunter Valley

30/08/2026

Share your beautiful images of NSW’s Wild Spaces!
By Heather Miles (Former APS NSW President & Secretary / President, Northside Creative Photography)
As plant enthusiasts, we spend hours in the bush and natural places observing details that many passersby miss. We know how extraordinary our unique plants and habitats are. Yet communicating that value to the broader public can be a challenge. And if people don’t appreciate it, they may not protect it.
When approached by Chase Alive, a volunteer group within national parks, to assist in creating a photo competition and exhibition, Northside Creative Photography created the Wild Ku-ring-gai & Beyond Photo competition.
3 Sections: Wild Places, Wild Things, and People in Nature – anywhere in NSW
Open to All Skills & Ages: Low entry fees ($8 for 1 section, $10 for 2 sections, $12 for 3 sections (and up to 4 images in each section) plus a dedicated Under-16 category.
Competition: 1 September to 11 October 2026.
Exhibition: Selected and winning entries will feature in a 5-month physical print exhibition at the Kalkari Discovery Centre in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park (28 Nov 2026 – 27 Apr 2027).
It’s not about winning prizes. It’s about helping to build a rich visual portrait of NSW’s native flora, wildlife and natural spaces to highlight their beauty and unique value.
We would love to see your images!
👉 Learn more and submit your images here: ncp.org.au/WildKuringgai See less

09/03/2026

Wetland Plants of the NSW Coastal Region is the new go-to guide for exploring the unique plant life found in coastal wetlands. This beautifully photographed book makes it easy to identify over 200 species, from mangroves and rushes to milfoils and lilies. It’s perfect for land managers, plant nerds, and anyone interested in protecting and restoring wetlands.
Wetlands are vital for clean water, wildlife habitat, and healthy ecosystems. This book explains why wetland plants matter—they filter water, prevent erosion, and provide food and shelter for birds, fish, and other animals. You’ll also learn how these plants support farming and improve water quality, making them essential for both nature and agriculture.
The guide offers practical tips for growing wetland plants in dams, waterways, ponds, and gardens. It shows how to choose the right species, manage seasonal growth, and create balanced plant mixes that help control mosquitoes and algae. It includes clear advice on reporting and removing invasive weeds, so you can protect native species and keep wetlands healthy.
Whether you’re restoring a wetland, planning a garden, or simply curious about nature, Wetland Plants of the NSW Coastal Region will inspire you to care for these incredible ecosystems. It’s more than a field guide, it’s a tool for conservation and a celebration of Australia’s coastal beauty.
Wetland plants of the NSW coastal region is available now from Tocal College at: www.tocal.nsw.edu.au/publications

17/02/2026