The Riverstone Wetlands are a special ephemeral wetland in Western Sydney with a unique ecology, providing habitat for a wide range of wildlife, in particular an incredible variety of wetland birds, many of them vulnerable.

In this episode of Hawkesbury Eco Hour, we discuss the Riverstone Wetlands with Mark Fuller, President of the Cumberland Land Conservancy and a keen western Sydney birder. Mark is leading efforts to protect this valuable western Sydney site, which provides important habitat and feeding grounds for birds from across Western Sydney and far beyond.

Mark describes why the wetland's site just above the Hawkesbury-Nepean floodplain makes it such an important link between the Hawkesbury and other wetlands, and a key Sydney feeding ground for threatened migratory waders from as far away as Siberia and Japan, as well as endangered Australian species such as the beautiful Australian Painted Snipe

Find out more about the site, its birdlife, and how you can help in the fight to save it for future generations of wildlife and people.

Episode Links:

• Save Riverstone Wetlands https://hen.org.au/save-riverstone-wetlands/

• Hawkesbury Environment Network https://hen.org.au

• Contact the Hawkesbury Eco Hour Podcast podcast@hen.org.au

In this episode, we speak with Matilda Julian, Chair of the Hawkesbury Environment Network, long-time volunteer, Bushcare worker and passionate birder. Matilda shares her journey into environmental stewardship and what drives her deep connection to the Hawkesbury landscape.

We reflect on HEN's work throughout 2025, including bushcare projects with Colo High School, bush kindy, birding and bushcare activities, Streamwatch, community fundraisers, and initiatives such as kangaroo virtual fencing. Matilda also discusses HEN's role in key collaborations and committees across the Hawkesbury, including the Resilient Rivers for Resilient Hawkesbury Platypus Populations Project, supported by a $1 million grant. Plans and priorities for 2026 are also highlighted.

Episode Links:

• Hawkesbury Environment Network https://hen.org.au

• Contact the Hawkesbury Eco Hour Podcast podcast@hen.org.au

In this episode, Stephanie Carrick from the Sydney Basin Koala Network joined Hawkesbury Environment Network's AGM held on 22 November 2025 as a guest speaker and shared an inside look at their new Koala Corridor interactive map. Stephanie shares what the latest data reveals about koala movement, habitat connectivity, and the pressures facing populations across Greater Sydney.

Stephanie also discusses recent developments in the Campbelltown region, including what's changing on the ground, how roads and urban expansion affect koala crossings, and why well-planned corridors are critical for the long-term survival of these animals.

A must-listen for anyone interested in local wildlife conservation, urban planning impacts, and the future of koalas in NSW.

Follow along with Steph's presentation here

Episode Links:

• Sydney Basin Koala Network https://www.sydneybasinkoalanetwork.org.au/

• Total Environment Network https://www.tec.org.au/

• Koala Corridor Interactive Map https://www.sydneybasinkoalanetwork.org.au/greater_sydney_corridor_mapping

• Kellie Leigh https://www.scienceforwildlife.org/

• Save Sydney Koalas https://www.facebook.com/savesydneyskoalas

• Rural Boundary Clearing Code https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/boundary-clearing-tool

• I Spy Koala app https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/nsw-koala-country/help-koalas/report-sighting

• iNaturalist https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/

• BioNet https://atlas.bionet.nsw.gov.au/Default.aspx

• Land for Wildlife https://cen.org.au/projects/land-for-wildlife/

• Southwest Sydney Koala Project https://www.greatersydneylandcare.org/southwest-sydney-koala-project/

• Hawkesbury Environment Network https://hen.org.au

• Contact the Hawkesbury Eco Hour Podcast podcast@hen.org.au