The Hunter Wetlands Centre Australia (HWCA) supports a high level of biodiversity with well over 200 bird species, some in great abundance, at critical stages of their seasonal breeding and migration cycles. 

The Hunter Wetlands is also important site for the conservation of several vulnerable and endangered species, such as the Magpie Goose and Freckled Duck. 

Novocastrians are rightly proud that at the heart of their city is a local wonderland of our natural environment, featuring a vast array of birdlife and a range of outdoor activities, just a ‘stone’s throw’ from the centre of Newcastle. 

Approximately 32,000 visitors, school children and volunteers visit HWCA each year and so the facilities are always in high demand. As a community-owned and operated asset, HWCA is dependent on the generosity of the community and sponsors to undertake significant projects to improve the centre. 

Port Waratah has been involved in many initiatives and projects with the centre. Here is a closer look at some of our most recent partnerships with HWCA. 

In November 2020, Newcastle and HWCA were hit by an extreme weather event which decimated hundreds of trees and caused significant damage to the visitor and volunteer facilities. 

The large number of fallen trees blocked the walking and access tracks, damaged enclosures and critically, the predator proof fence surrounding the site was breached, exposing the resident and visiting birds and their new chicks to fox attack. Volunteers and Port Waratah to the rescue! 

Through a partnership with Port Waratah, a project was successfully undertaken by dedicated volunteers and professional contractors restoring this remarkable wetland for the benefit of all the biodiversity species of flora and fauna that depend on it.  

In 2020, Port Waratah also provided funding for the construction and installation of three natural timber playgrounds. The charming playgrounds are an easy walk from the Visitors Centre and help to foster community interest in this significant environmental haven and provide engaging, active play areas for children. 

Wetlands CEO at the time, Ken Bayliss said, “We wanted to add some fun and adventure for kids exploring the Wetlands. We also wanted structures that would sit well in our natural environment and have appeal for visitors of all ages. Port Waratah shared our vision and very generously covered the construction and installation costs.” 

In 2021, our partnership supported the completion of maintenance complex and machinery shed upgrades and in 2022, we helped keep HWCA on the map with new exterior signage. 

In 2024, we supported HWCA’s a $20,000 makeover of their conference rooms together with Glencore. The upgrades to the existing conference space make HWCA a go-to conference and meeting destination for local community groups, corporate businesses, and government organisations. 

Hunter Wetlands Centre General Manager, James Wilson, said the new-look space will have a truly positive impact across all aspects of the Centre and helps to strengthen connection with community by increasing the number of people that can engage with, learn about, and enjoy the wetlands. 

“Not only will the renovated space provide our volunteers with a professional training space, but also greatly improve the meeting facilities for our community partners.” 

“By providing a modern, well-equipped space we can expand our offerings to corporate and government organisations. The financial sustainability this provides our Centre will help us keep entry costs low and support the conservation and restoration of the Wetlands.” 

We are also thrilled to celebrate the 40th year of our long standing community partner, the Hunter Wetlands Centre Australia and to support the commemorative book looking back on the history, achievements and significance of the wetlands and acknowleding the important protection of the local wetlands environment and conservation efforts.