Vision of HEN for the area: A sustainable future for all in the Hawkesbury region. Vision of HEN as an organisation: A strong, viable, dynamic and credible voice for the environment of the Hawkesbury; a network which is representative of the Hawkesbury communities, which represents its members, and educates and engages the community.
Mission Statement: To conserve and restore the natural environment of the Hawkesbury region. To bring together people and organisations to increase awareness of and act for sustainability and the environment.
HEN members and volunteers are active in range of areas, including:
• Lobbying/ submissions to governments
• Environmental education for sustainability
• Campaigns
• Committee representation
• Bush regeneration
• Landcare
• Organic growing
• Fauna and flora studies and research
• Water testing
• Bushwalking.
Background and History:
HEN was initiated in 2009 by Glenn Vickery and Martin Gauci (Hawkesbury Council Bushcare) with support from Hawkesbury Council and the then Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Trust. Together with a range of local environment groups, a steering committee set up in 2010. Hawkesbury Environment Network was on its way to incorporation. Past Committee Members included Professor Shelley Burgin of the Hawkesbury Riverkeeper project, Erin Rowe 2009 National Young Landcarer and John Street a former President. Highlights: in 2012-13 the Alive! Sustainable Education Program led by Zhan Patterson drew together hundreds of youth in a 2-day forum at UWS Hawkesbury, and led to the formation of the Hawkesbury Environmental Educators’ Network [HEEN]. A Green Army project for environment conservation was run for two years by Robin Woods and educated and trained a number of young local people in on-ground environmental restoration works. 2019: HEN has a diverse membership of individuals and groups across the Hawkesbury and beyond, is a member of the Nature Conservation Council NSW and affiliated with other peak environmental groups. HEN now has Deductible Gift Recipient status. The HEN committee continues to push all three tiers of government for sound planning, environmental protection, and environmental education for sustainability.