Protectors of Dirawong - POD

16/08/2026

12/03/2026

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=122128889211009715&id=61580291462811

The PODs Stuart Bunn will be sharing his expertise at this important meeting for those able to attend. The health of our Northern Rivers is critical for us all.

We have organised presentations regarding the Richmond River to councillors of all four local governments on the Richmond. Uptake of invitations has been low, so we are opening it up to other interested people.

This is on Saturday 14th March at 4.00pm which is very short notice I know, but if you would like to attend please DM me and I'll provide directions. Knowing who is coming will also help with catering.

Craig Copeland from Ozfish will speak about blackwater, acid sulphate, fish kills, sedimentation plus dredging and anything you wish to know about river health.

Professor Stuart Bunn will talk about his extensive experiences on other river catchments and optimising investment to build catchment resilience.

There will also be a quick trip to inspect a drain that was a significant source of blackwater and the fish kill a year ago.

19/12/2025

Hi POD!
For anyone able, a working bee will be held at Chinamans beach carpark this Sunday 21st at 8am to clean & tidy the area

18/10/2025

FYI from our friends at the RAAF in case anyone is planning a family outing to the Dirawong (or would like to)!

"Please be advised the Royal Australian Air Force has outlined planned operations at Evans Head Air Weapons Range (EVDAWR) south of Evans Head township on the north coast of New South Wales during October and November 2025.

DATES:
27 – 30 October – F/A-18F Super Hornet
27 – 29 October - F-35A Lightning II
10 – 12 November - F-35A Lightning II
17 – 21 November – F/A 18F Super Hornet

TIME: 10am – 5pm (weekdays only)"

13/09/2025

We have some great news to share!

The Dirawong Reserve is now a donation option within the Return & Earn App, for those who would like to support us to maintain the reserve!

Please share with anyone you know that enjoys the reserve & would like to donate, either as a one off or ongoing by setting the Dirawong as your 'payout' option.
Thanks for your support!!

17/08/2025

Thanks to everyone who were able to join us today & share some great ideas for our beautiful reserve. The POD is officially in motion and we look forward to working with our awesome community as the Protectors Of Dirawong!

11/07/2025

Please note date change - we’ll confirm as we get closer (& see what the weather looks like).

Hi POD!
The Dirawong Board are proposing a catch up with our community (at Chinamans beach carpark) on Sunday August 17th , so we can update you on the plans & see who’s interested to join our small group of volunteers.

To gauge levels of interest for the gathering, can I please get your reaction:
❤️ - I’ll be there!
😢 - can’t make it that day / time
😆 - keen but I’m not sure yet (maybe)

11/06/2025

Good evening all.

NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service have notified the Dirawong board that a 1080 Aerial Fox Baiting Program will be conducted this week (Sunday 8th to Sunday 15th June) in Bundjalung National Park.

Just a reminder that dogs 🐕 🐶 aren’t permitted on the reserve at any time, on or off leash (nor is camping ⛺️ or fires 🔥 ).

16/04/2025

The previous board coordinated a tremendous effort to free the Dirawong of invasive w**ds, but the battle never ends.

Matt is the legend who has championed the protection of the reserve from pests for many years & has recently taken on the yellow-flowering Senna. It may look attractive but is a highly invasive w**d - removing them now before they seed will reduce their spread into the reserve.

Coming soon, we aim to have Matt host a field workshop this winter at the site with the aim of removing this w**d and others (including Mother of millions, fish-bone fern). The site can then be prepared for planting of native species.

If you’re interested in learning more about identifying invasive flora, keep an eye out for details!

03/04/2025

Our Current Plans…

1. Acquire ongoing funding to maintain facilities (toilets & bins) and upkeep of walking tracks

2. Gain funds to repair damage caused by vandals & severe weather events (e.g. replace bollards / barriers; replace stolen solar system to run toilets; remove fallen tree’s & debris)

3. Apply for funding to introduce signage for walking tracks (including direction; distance; difficulty & interesting cultural insights)

4. Work with the Bandjalang Aboriginal Corporation (lead by our BA Corp. Dirawong board members) to develop plans & acquire funding to showcase the incredible cultural heritage in the area

5. Engage with neighbouring land managers to stay in touch with their work in the area (e.g. their back-burning & fire trail clearing vs maintaining the delicate heath which minimises erosion; baiting for introduced pests etc)

6. Do you have any suggestions?