The Community Environment Network (CEN) was formed in 1997 with the mission of supporting and advising local environmental and community groups and individuals across the Central Coast. We are non-political and not-for-profit. CEN is an independent community group that works FOR Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) and AGAINST threats to it. Our objectives are to:
Increase the effectiveness of community groups
Be a regional voice for sustainable development
Provide a respected forum for public discussion and advocacy
Increase public awareness and understanding of ESD
Promote community monitoring of the environment
Facilitate the advocacy role of individuals
The Community Environment Network (CEN) is a not-for-profit community organisation and a Deductible Gift Recipient with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). We work to improve Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) on the Central Coast. Projects include:
Waterwatch – a citizen science program monitoring and protecting the health of local waterways and catchments.
Land for Wildlife – a voluntary property registration scheme for landowners who wish to manage areas for biodiversity and wildlife habitat.
Habitat for Wildlife – supporting urban landholders to conserve and improve habitats for wildlife and create wildlife corridors.
Green Team Landcare Groups – local landholders working together to help eliminate weeds.
Wildplant Community Nursery – local native plants grown from seeds (collected locally) at the nursery to be used in revegetation projects and available for sale to the public.
We help community groups to campaign to protect the local environment and we have active sub-committees including Friends of COSS, Climate Future and the Central Coast Community Better Planning Group.
CEN HQ
CEN is located on the Ourimbah Campus of the University of Newcastle. Previously located in The Manor, one of the campus’s original farm houses, we can now be found in the Facilities Management Building on Loop Road. This new location has given CEN an expanded space for our popular Wildplant Nursery. We have retained many of the sustainable features in our new building including:
Recycled building – courtesy of Newcastle University
Energy Audit and Low Energy, CFC Free Fridge – sponsored by Energy Australia
Water tanks for gardens and rinsing Waterwatch Equipment – sponsored by Australian Government Water Grant;
Computer screens having low energy requirements – paid for by CEN.
Security Bike Rack to encourage use of bicycles – Sponsored by Federal Government.