North Coast Herpetology Group

02/06/2026

28/05/2026

Introducing Greg Purcell. Greg joins the ESA as a Director and we could not be happier that he has joined the Alliance.

Greg is a proud Yaegl and Gumbaynggirr man, land and sea ranger, and marine conservation practitioner committed to protecting threatened species and marine ecosystems. Working across coastal and marine environments on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Greg brings strong on-ground experience in environmental monitoring, marine research, and practical conservation.

Through his ranger work, Greg contributes to projects that collect critical ecological data, support ocean monitoring programs, and strengthen the protection of vulnerable marine habitats and species. His work connects science, community knowledge, and caring for Country.

As a Director of the Endangered Species Alliance, Greg is Proud to support projects that strengthen awareness, protection and future sustainability of endangered species and their habitats.

27/05/2026

This week we will be introducing you to our team and our diverse skill set.

Our Founding Director and CEO is Natalie Egelman

Nat is a wildlife nurse, with extensive experience in wildlife rehabilitation, specialising in birds of prey and reptiles. She is an avid conservationist, mother of 3 and has spent majority of her life dedicated to wildlife.

Throughout her career, Natalie has worked at the frontline of wildlife rescue, treatment and species recovery, with a strong focus on practical conservation outcomes for threatened Australian fauna.

In 2024, Natalie played the lead role in developing the first known treatment protocol for infected Bellinger River Snapping Turtles during a disease outbreak affecting one of Australia’s rarest freshwater turtle species. Natalie carried out the treatment and hands-on care of infected turtles, contributing critical knowledge to the emergency response for this critically endangered species.

brings deep field experience, clinical wildlife care expertise and a strong commitment to evidence-based conservation to her leadership of the Endangered Species Alliance and the protection of Australia’s most vulnerable wildlife.

27/05/2026

We are proud to introduce Josh Maher as a Founder and Managing Director of Endangered Species Alliance.

Having been raised in the Bellingen region, Josh's connection to this landscape and its unique wildlife runs deep. From an early age, he developed a lifelong passion for working with animals and protecting the species that make this region so extraordinary.

Josh's background spans captive animal management and many years of hands-on field wildlife management, with a strong focus on practical conservation outcomes.

Since 2015, Josh has been closely involved in conservation efforts supporting the critically endangered Bellinger River snapping turtle, work that has given him the privilege of contributing to one of Australia’s most significant species recovery programs.

That experience has reinforced Josh's belief that successful conservation depends on collaboration, long-term commitment, and action grounded in both science and practical experience.

As a Director of Endangered Species Alliance, Josh is committed to building strong partnerships, supporting innovative conservation initiatives, and creating meaningful opportunities to protect endangered species and their habitats.

For Josh, protecting wildlife is not simply a profession, it is a lifelong commitment to ensuring future generations inherit a world rich in biodiversity.

We are honoured to have Josh as a lead in this organisation and excited to have him work alongside our dedicated team, partners, and supporters as we drive positive change for threatened species.

18/05/2026

2️⃣6️⃣4️⃣9️⃣ - 2649 people, countless smiles, and one amazing day celebrating reptiles!

On behalf of the North Coast Herpetology Group, we would like to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who helped make the Port Macquarie Reptile Expo 2026 such a success.

With an amazing 2649 people through the doors, we are absolutely blown away by the support from our community.

A massive thank you to the Port Macquarie Sports Stadium and the Sideline Social Canteen team for their support throughout the event, as well as our table hire company Red Shed Hire for generously assisting us with discounted hire equipment.

To all of our incredible vendors, exhibitors and presenters — thank you for bringing your knowledge, passion, animals and displays to the expo. Without your support and dedication, events like this simply would not be possible.

A special thank you also goes to the veterinary team from Greencross Vets for conducting pre-event health checks on the reptiles prior to doors opening. We greatly appreciate your support and commitment to animal welfare.

To everyone who attended, thank you for coming along, supporting the event, chatting with our vendors and helping us create such an amazing atmosphere throughout the day.

We would also like to sincerely thank our sponsors - Royal Reptiles, Absolute Aquariums, Australian Reptile Park, Billabong Zoo, Pop-up Chameleon, Peter Birch's Colourful Critters, Unique Creatures & The Valley Garden Centre for generously donating raffle prizes and supporting the event. Your contributions helped make the day even more exciting for attendees and are greatly appreciated.

Finally, thank you to all of our volunteers and committee members who worked tirelessly behind the scenes before, during and after the expo.

We hope all our had an amazing day and we can’t wait to do it all again next year! 🐍🦎🐢🐊🥰

15/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C5MqZKo2N/

15/05/2026

🦎 Heading to the North Coast Herpetology Reptile Expo this weekend?

We will be open from 8am on Saturday morning, serving up coffee, cold drinks, burger, snacks and easy meals all day long!

Sideline is the perfect pit stop while you explore the expo and meet all the amazing reptiles on display.
Grab a bite, take a break, then head back in for more reptile fun.

📍 Located inside the Indoor Stadium on Hibbard Drive
🦎 Open during the North Coast Herpetology Reptile Expo

14/05/2026

Gotta be in it to win it!!

14/05/2026

AMAZING prizes up for grabs in our lucky door prize raffle!!!
Each admission ticket receives 1 free raffle ticket.

Raffle is drawn at 1pm. Must be present to win.

Extra raffle tickets can be purchased from the NCHG table. $2 each or 3 for $5.

Royal Reptiles has donated this EPIC set-up worth a whopping $1775.00 which is part of our 1st prize giveaway.

You've gotta be in it to win it - more importantly you've gotta be at the expo for your chance to win!!

You can purchase tickets at the door or online here -
https://ticketebo.com/pmqreptileexpo2026

Saturday 16th May 2026
10am - 3pm
Port Macquarie Indoor Sports Stadium
Adults (16+) = $10
Child (15 & under) = $5

Hope to see you there! 🐢🐸🦎🐍😁