On Friday 22^nd August the opening of the Eurobodalla branch of the National Parks Association of NSW was celebrated at Batemans Bay.

Taking this step has enabled the local environmental community to be part of a well-resourced statewide network established over 60 years ago.

The event was attended by Gary Dunnett – CEO, NPA NSW, Michael Holland – Member for Bega and Roderick Slockee – Batemans Bay Local Aboriginal Land Council.  

Roberick Slockee provided an extended Welcome to Country. 

The NPA Eurobodalla Branch will focus on two main areas – Conservation Advocacy and Nature Appreciation Walks to connect people to nature.

Since formed in September 2024, the branch has held 29 walks with 180 attended.

NPA is committed to protecting, conserving and restoring the integrity and diversity of nature in NSW, its biodiversity, geodiversity, supporting ecological processes and associated cultural values.

Joslyn van der Moolen said “I spend most of my time volunteering to end native forest logging. I established this new branch with other locals, so our environmental work was part of an influential statewide organisation, the NPA NSW.  I believe the need for biodiverse carbon storage will prevail – we just need to make this happen while there are still some forests left.”

Joslyn added “We know that nature is the number one reason why people want to visit Australia, and nature-based tourism is worth nearly $20 billion per year to NSW! “