Sustainable Living Armidale

Best Practice Native Tree Planting Workshop
2025-06-03 09:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Armidale Tree Group, 80 Mann Street, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia
Join Southern New England Landcare and David Carr from Stringybark Ecological to learn about best practice native tree planting, including:

why to plant,
where to plant,
how to plant,
aspects of design,
ground preparation,
selecting species, and
looking after your plantings.

We will also cover changing climate considerations including drier times and drought preparedness.
The event will commence at The Woodland Centre, Armidale Tree Group, 80 Mann St, Armidale followed by a site visit.
All welcome.
Morning Tea and Lunch provided.

Free talk: David Holmgren 'Weeds or Wild Nature'
2025-06-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Armidale City Bowling Club, 92/96 Dumaresq Street, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia
David is back in Armidale to start a discussion on the night of the Strawberry Moon titled ‘weeds or wild nature’. His last presentation ‘Aussie Street’ packed the Armidale Town Hall 6 years ago promoting his popular book RetroSuburbia: The Downshifter’s Guide to a Resilient Future. David Holmgren is a bit of a legend, he is the co-originator of the permaculture concept, following publication of Permaculture One, co-authored with Bill Mollison in 1978. David is a pioneering voice in sustainable design and ecological stewardship. With decades of experience and insight, his work has inspired a global movement towards regenerative living.
‘Weeds or wild nature’ presentation and discussion will start with the premise that land design and management informed by permaculture principles tends to treat naturalised newcomer plants as assets that stabilise water and soil, build biomass, fix nutrients, ameliorate microclimate and provide habitat, fodder, fuel and food. While naturalised species may be given a lower value in permaculture design than species regarded as indigenous to the site and region, labelling naturalised species as ‘invasive’ or ‘environmental weeds’ is typically rejected as anti-ecological thinking.
The background and basis for this positive view of naturalised plants is not well understood, and has led to persistent criticism of permaculture by those promoting the orthodox view of ‘weeds’ as invasives. This has itself influenced the practices and teaching of many permaculturists to moderate or compromise the permaculture approach to naturalised species. Consequently the ‘weeds or wild nature’ controversy is alive and well within the permaculture movement.
In this presentation, co-originator of the permaculture concept, David Holmgren will provide his unique perspective on the evolution of this discourse and its connection to the wider debate on this issue in conservation and land management networks. David’s story is partly a historical and personal one as well as a review of the scientific literature on the subject.
Holmgren offers profound guidance for creating resilient ecosystems and communities. Holmgren’s expertise and passion for sustainable living promise to ignite transformative dialogue and empower individuals to enact positive change.
Key publications include Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability (2002) and Future Scenarios: How Communities Can Adapt To Peak Oil and Climate Change (2009) and RetroSuburbia: The Downshifter’s Guide to a Resilient Future (2018).

It will be a great night with a visonary thinker and some passionate discussion followed by a social supper. Free talk, no need to RSVP.

Armidale Dumaresq Creek regeneration
2025-08-10 08:30 - 12:30 | Dumaresq Creek, 27 Kennedy St, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia
Welcome to 2025 and advice for the start of our 2nd Sunday Working Bees. Our working bee will involve planting a new area within the Weedy Wasteland to Wildlife Wetland area, some infill planting and possibly weeding as well. Access will be from the south side via Kennedy Street. Location: Park on the cleared area near the Wharf Bench / Project Signage on the southern side of the creek accessed off Kennedy Street. Turn left into the gap between the trees before you reach the house at the end of the street. Follow the AURG Working Bee signs.

What to bring: BYO long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy boots. Please also bring gloves, broad brim hat and sunscreen. AURG will provide equipment, morning tea and BBQ lunch for a gold coin donation. AURG Membership

For members that have provided a mobile number with their SNEL / AURG membership, I will be trialling our Text Message service closer to the working bee. The aim of this is for advising of changes closer to the event.

Please also note the membership requirements below. Membership is free but essential for public liability and insurance purposes. I will bring a current membership list, membership forms and a guide for updating via your phone.

Membership regulations: All AURG (sub-group) members & volunteers must also hold a current membership as an Individual Member, under the auspicing body of Southern New England Landcare Limited. This is to ensure everyone is covered for public liability and insurance purposes. All participants wishing to attend the AURG working bee must be a current Individual SNEL Member i.e.

Hold current membership. SNEL will provide AURG with a current list prior to each event.

New volunteers should register online via the SNEL Membership page on the website https://snelandcare.org.au/membership/become-a-member.html , prior to the event.

If a volunteer does not have internet access, they may pick up a form from the SNEL office, to complete and sign. Forms should be left at, or mailed back to, the SNEL office for processing.

A new person or non-member, who arrives on the day to the AURG working bee, must sign a hard copy Membership form, when registering “at the door”, in order to participate at the event.

Membership is current for 12 months

Armidale Dumaresq Creek regeneration
2025-08-10 08:30 - 12:30 | Dumaresq Creek, 27 Kennedy St, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia
Welcome to and advice for the start of our 2nd Sunday Working Bees.
Location: Join mailing list to be notified before each event

What to bring: BYO long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy boots. Please also bring gloves, broad brim hat and sunscreen. AURG will provide equipment, morning tea and BBQ lunch for a gold coin donation. AURG Membership

For members that have provided a mobile number with their SNEL / AURG membership, I will be trialling our Text Message service closer to the working bee. The aim of this is for advising of changes closer to the event.

Please also note the membership requirements below. Membership is free but essential for public liability and insurance purposes. I will bring a current membership list, membership forms and a guide for updating via your phone.

Membership regulations: All AURG (sub-group) members & volunteers must also hold a current membership as an Individual Member, under the auspicing body of Southern New England Landcare Limited. This is to ensure everyone is covered for public liability and insurance purposes. All participants wishing to attend the AURG working bee must be a current Individual SNEL Member i.e.

Hold current membership. SNEL will provide AURG with a current list prior to each event.

New volunteers should register online via the SNEL Membership page, prior to the event.

If a volunteer does not have internet access, they may pick up a form from the SNEL office, to complete and sign. Forms should be left at, or mailed back to, the SNEL office for processing.

A new person or non-member, who arrives on the day to the AURG working bee, must sign a hard copy Membership form, when registering “at the door”, in order to participate at the event.

Membership is current for 12 months

Volunteers Needed for Koala Food Tree Plantings
2025-08-23 10:00 - 12:30 | Acacia Park, Roseneath Lane, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia
Southern New England Landcare and Armidale Tree Group are looking for volunteers to help with upcoming Koala Food Tree plantings.
Meet at 10am 500m along Roseneath Lane off Dangersleigh Road, Look out for Armidale Tree Group White 4WDs.
We need help with:
• Assembling tree guards
• Planting
• Watering
Tools provided.
Please bring:
• Drinking water
• Snacks
• Sturdy shoes
• Hat and gloves
Your time will help support habitat for local koalas.

Armidale Dumaresq Creek regeneration
2025-09-14 08:30 - 12:30, 2025-10-12 08:30 - 12:30, 2025-11-09 08:30 - 12:30, 2025-12-14 08:30 - 12:30, 2026-01-11 08:30 - 12:30, 2026-02-08 08:30 - 12:30, 2026-03-08 08:30 - 12:30, 2026-04-12 08:30 - 12:30 and 8 more dates | Dumaresq Creek, 27 Kennedy St, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia
Welcome to 2025 and advice for the start of our 2nd Sunday Working Bees. Our working bee will involve planting a new area within the Weedy Wasteland to Wildlife Wetland area, some infill planting and possibly weeding as well. Access will be from the south side via Kennedy Street.
Location: Join the mailing list to know where on the creek from working bee to working bee and follow the AURG Working Bee signs.

What to bring: BYO long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy boots. Please also bring gloves, broad brim hat and sunscreen. AURG will provide equipment, morning tea and BBQ lunch for a gold coin donation. AURG Membership

For members that have provided a mobile number with their SNEL / AURG membership, I will be trialling our Text Message service closer to the working bee. The aim of this is for advising of changes closer to the event.

Please also note the membership requirements below. Membership is free but essential for public liability and insurance purposes. I will bring a current membership list, membership forms and a guide for updating via your phone.

Membership regulations: All AURG (sub-group) members & volunteers must also hold a current membership as an Individual Member, under the auspicing body of Southern New England Landcare Limited. This is to ensure everyone is covered for public liability and insurance purposes. All participants wishing to attend the AURG working bee must be a current Individual SNEL Member i.e.

Hold current membership. SNEL will provide AURG with a current list prior to each event.

New volunteers should register online via the SNEL Membership page on the website https://snelandcare.org.au/membership/become-a-member.html , prior to the event.

If a volunteer does not have internet access, they may pick up a form from the SNEL office, to complete and sign. Forms should be left at, or mailed back to, the SNEL office for processing.

A new person or non-member, who arrives on the day to the AURG working bee, must sign a hard copy Membership form, when registering “at the door”, in order to participate at the event.

Membership is current for 12 months

Volunteers Needed for Round 2!
2025-10-18 10:00 - 12:30 | Acacia Park, Roseneath Lane, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia
Southern New England Landcare and Armidale Tree Group are looking for volunteers to help plant more Koala Food Trees.
Meet at 10am 500m along Roseneath Lane off Dangersleigh Road, Look out for Armidale Tree Group White 4WDs.
We need help with:
• Assembling tree guards
• Planting
• Watering
Tools provided.
Please bring:
• Drinking water
• Snacks
• Sturdy shoes
• Hat and gloves
Your time will help support habitat for local koalas.

Tree Propagation Workshop
2025-10-19 09:30 - 14:00 | Banded Bee Farm, 192 Dumaresq Road, Saumarez Ponds, NSW, 2350, Australia
As part of ZNet’s Heritage Fruit and Nut Tree project, we are offering a free workshop to help you grow your own trees and shrubs. Book in soon, as places are limited!
Come and learn about the different methods home gardeners can use to propagate their own trees and shrubs. We will mainly focus on fruit and nuts.
It’s easier than you think!
Optional tour of our agroforestry tree plantings 2–3 pm
Bookings essential – contact Jane {oh for mobile prefix}13 725 386
Tea/coffee provided, please bring packed lunch
Sponsored by ACEN Australia

Black Gully Festival '25
2025-11-08 09:00 | Behind NERAM, 208 Taylor Street, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia
The always highly anticipated Black Gully Festival is set to kick off on Saturday, November 8th, 2025, in the scenic Black Gully Reserve (behind NERAM on the south side of the creek). This free, family-friendly event celebrates the vibrant spirit of Armidale as the weather warms up, offering a day filled with music, art, environmental and community engagement. The festival promises an entertaining experience for attendees of all ages.
The heart of the festival lies in its live music performances, taking place from 10am to 8pm across three stages. Showcasing the exceptional talent within the region, local bands, soloists, and small groups will captivate audiences with a diverse range of musical styles presented by The Musicians of Armidale.
Full program

Community Garden Working Bee
2025-11-23 13:00 - 17:00 | Armidale Community Garden, 208 Taylor Street, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia
Hi All,

The Sunday 23rd of November will be our last Working Bee for the year at the Community Garden. Any time from 1pm onwards.

Bring your favourite tool.
Come and enjoy working together amidst the flowers and harvest of Spring.
Afternoon tea at 3pm.

Come for as long as you are able and bring hat, gloves, sun-screen and your favorite gardening tool.

See you there.
Terry and Jo

North Armidale Walking Tracks Working Bee
2026-02-01 08:30 - 12:30 | Blue Wren Road Gate, 50 Blue Wren Rd, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia
Please park back from the gate at the end of Blue Wren Road. We will set up a base in from the gate, in the shade.
There are a number of tasks to be undertaken, depending to some extent upon the weather: If we have a good number of starters we’ll “split the party”
We look forward to seeing as many as possible. Especially welcome are those we haven’t seen for a while, and new faces.
Meet … in from the Blue Wren Rd Gate.
Please wear… Long sleeved shirt, long trousers, hat, sturdy footwear. Gloves. If you have thick leather ones, bring them!
Bring… sunscreen, water bottle, and a mug for morning tea of course.
Hand tools… Weeding equipment could be handy.
Morning tea, coffee, will again be available around 10.30am

The Armidale Home Grown Garden Tour 2026!
2026-02-14 10:00 - 2026-02-15 16:00 | NSW
Interested in growing food at home? Join us for a weekend of garden tours, talks, documentary screenings and how-to demonstrations.

Saturday and Sunday – Garden tours
On Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th February you are invited into the backyards and community gardens of Armidale’s local food growers.
Come and share stories and ideas for growing food in our unique region. We have 8 unique gardens across the weekend, from large holdings 15 minutes outside town to small cottage gardens in the process of converting lawn to food.
Across the weekend you’ll have the chance to visit gardens at your own pace with all 8 gardens open both Saturday and Sunday in either the morning (10-12.30pm) or afternoon (1.30-4pm) session.
Buy tickets at Eventbrite

Armidale Tree Group Open Day 2026
2026-03-22 09:30 - 14:30 | Armidale Tree Group, 80 Mann Street, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia
Armidale Tree Group Open Day is on again, so save the date! Please join us for great day out for gardeners, nature lovers, locals, and anyone who’s curious about Australian native plants and the amazing wildlife and landscapes they support.

Program of events

Guided nursery tours at 10.45 and 12.45am

Talks in the Woodland Centre:

10am- Choosing natives over exotics — Dr Andrew Thornhill
11am – What is a hybrid – the good, the bad and the ugly — Dr Rose Andrews
12noon- Dingoes — Dr Guy Ballard
1pm-Bird nesting boxes — Angus Adair

Workshops:

10am-11am – Mandala for Young Nature Lovers, Meet at front gate (adults accompany please) — Susan Grant/Kerry Steller
11.30am-1pm- Adults + kids activity, Printing on paper with Natural Plant dyes — Green Classroom. Margaret England
12.30 pm- Seed collecting for your garden, Retail area in the nursery — Dave Carr
1.30pm- Propagation native cuttings, Potting Shed — Kim Kneebone

Other fun things:

Continuous BBQ
Coffee Van
Music – Al Heagney and friends
Art – local artists
Ecofriendly market stalls
New book displays by local writers

Displays:

Southern New England Landcare
National Parks Association
Australian Plants Society
Northern Tablelands Wildlife Carers
SLA Food group

All activities Free. Collect your free tree by presenting a ‘Free Tree’ voucher.Come and support your local not for profit community nursery.

Seed Swap at the Armidale Tree Group
2026-07-18 14:00 - 17:00 | Armidale Tree Group, 80 Mann Street, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia
Hello Gardeners and Foodies,
We are holding a local Seed Swap at the Armidale Tree Group on July 18th, 2-5pm. Entry will be by gold coin donation. This is a nice warm space and afternoon tea will be provided. If you are interested in obtaining some locally grown seeds but have none to swap, you are welcome to come along, maybe just add a little extra to your donation.

For those who do have seed this a great opportunity to get them organised!

Seed Swap II
2026-09-13 08:00 - 12:00 | NSW
Our second Seed Swap will be held at the Armidale Farmers Markets at Curtis Park on September 13th. Bring along seeds to swap and donate or if you have no seed you are welcome to take seed you need for this season, a gold coin donation is welcome. Organised by The Local Food Group.
