In the early 80's, the site of the Hunter Wetlands Centre was a mixture of rundown rugby fields and an unofficial dumping ground. Despite this, it was still home to a flock of nesting egrets and it was these egrets that inspired Max Maddock's incredible vision of restoration.

After sighting the egrets, Max and a small group of committed community members set out to secure the site and restore it back to its original form. Today, after 40 years of restoration (and 400,000 plants), the Hunter Wetlands Centre is a haven for wildlife and people in the heart of Newcastle.  But this incredible success story doesn't end there. In 2002 the Hunter Wetlands Centre was recognised as one of 67 Australian Ramsar sites of international importance and is the first among them to incorporate a Wetland Education Centre.

This year we are celebrating 40 years of restoration and conservation. We're kicking it all off with an offical launch on Friday September 13th followed by our Spring Festival on Sunday, 15th September. The celebrations will continue through to the end of September with numerous events celebrating our wetlands and the people and partners who contributed to their restoration.

We invite you to join us.