Members of the organisation were given a look back over the years with slides and a recounting of history by Manning Coastcare president Daintry Gerrand, who has been with the organisation since its inception. Original members John Sorby, Diana Seaghers, Beth Weekes, Lorraine Graham, and Bill Hennessy were acknowledged.

Manning Coastcare was formed when Old Bar Dunecare, Hallidays Point Landcare and Harrington Landcare banded together in 1995. These original groups were not replaced by the formation of Manning Coastcare, but supported to provide a coordinated approach along the coastal corridor, with a focus on the high priority littoral rainforest remnants, which are endangered ecological communities.

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The formation of Manning Coastcare made it possible to attract more funding and expand the work undertaken.

"Funding programs come and go, government priorities and targets come and go, but it is the persistent effort of the community that truly makes the difference," Daintry said.

In 2005 Manning Coastcare won the NSW State Coastcare Award and in 2006 won the National Coastcare Award.

The formation of the new MidCoast 2 Tops Landcare Connection (covering the three local networks of Manning Coastcare, Manning Landcare, and Karuah and Great Lakes Landcare) enables the groups to receive funding under the NSW Landcare Program.

Manning Coastcare is now entering yet another new phase - part of a partnership agreement with Hunter Local Land Services and the formation of a new Memorandum of Understanding between MidCoast 2 Tops Landcare Connection and MidCoast Council.

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"It's been a pattern of small disparate groups realising there is strength in numbers and coming together to work with council and large organisations," Manning Coastcare local coordinator, Helen Kemp said.

"Manning Coastcare has no doubt played a very significant role in conserving and restoring our local coastal rainforest remnants," Daintry Gerrand said.

"We now need to work closely with council and position ourselves to take opportunities to expand our restoration works, build our connection with the local Indigenous community and our young people for the future."

Manning Coastcare currently has five active groups with around 95 members covering the coast from Harrington down to Hallidays Point.

"There's a lot of support in the community and that support is growing. We're always getting new members joining, which is fantastic," Helen said.

To learn more about or join Manning Coastcare, visit https://www.midcoast2tops.org.au/manning-coastcare.

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