Weddin Landcare has made history with the launch of Australia’s first self-drive Wattle Trails and the release of the comprehensive field guide, "Weddin Wattles – A Local Guide."
The official launch event, held on Friday 22 August 2025, drew a crowd of over 60 people, including local dignitaries, biodiversity experts, and passionate community members.
The Wattle Trails initiative provides locals and visitors alike with a unique opportunity to explore the region’s remarkable wattle diversity through a series of mapped routes; all accompanied by the newly published guidebook, developed by Claire Diprose and Mikla Lewis from Weddin Landcare, with input from many others.
The project was made possible thanks to the dedication of volunteers and generous funding from the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust and the NSW Landcare Enabling Program, a collaboration between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW, supported by the NSW Government.
The launch commenced with an address from Melanie Cooper, representing Weddin Landcare, who expressed her excitement for the Wattle Trails and guidebook.
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“We are thrilled to present Australia’s first Wattle Trails, a true celebration of our wonderful wattles, which will showcase our region’s unique biodiversity and strengthen the connection between people and the land," Melanie said.
"The field guide will be an excellent local resource and is designed to inspire curiosity and stewardship for generations to come."
Melanie spoke of the important role of wattles in both natural ecosystems and agricultural landscapes as well as their deep connection with Wiradjuri culture.
“Wattles are such a prominent part of our local landscape, particularly in spring when their yellow blossoms brighten our world, yet the critical roles that wattles play are often overlooked or misunderstood," she said.
"There is an urgent need to raise awareness of this and to conserve and enhance the little remaining remnants we have left in our district,” Melanie said.
Weddin Shire Mayor, Paul Best, and Regional Manager for the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust, Glenn Harpley, also addressed the crowd, indicating their support for the initiative and noting the benefits to both the natural environment and local tourism.
The event also featured a keynote address from Dr. Suzette Searle, President of the Wattle Day Association Inc., who acknowledged the cultural and botanical significance of wattles.
“Wattles are iconic to Australia, symbolising unity, resilience and renewal. It is wonderful to see the Weddin community lead the way with this innovative project, which will serve as a model for other regions. The Wattle Trails and field guide open up new possibilities for education, tourism, and conservation,” Dr. Searle said.
“It is an absolute pleasure and privilege to be launching Australia’s first self-drive wattle trails, complete with a guide to the thirty-three local wattles that people will encounter, ” Dr. Searle said.
"The Wattle Day Association has been supporting Weddin Landcare activities for the past 15 years and hopes that, one day, the Weddin Wattle Trails can draw as much attention and enthusiasm from around the world as the Route Du Mimosa does in France."
Other dignitaries present on the day included Deputy Mayor Colleen Gorman, Cr John Niven, members of the Wattle Day Association committee and executive members of the Weddin Landcare Steering Committee.
Following the ceremony, which included the cutting of a special wattleseed cake, attendees joined a guided bus tour of two of the new Wattle Trails, with many staying on until the next day for a Wattle Walk at ‘Rosemont’, led by local conservationists Mikla Lewis OAM and Wayne Lavers.
“We have been celebrating Wattle Day here in the Weddin Shire since 2010. It has been a joy to see so many people immerse themselves in the world of wattles," Mikla said.
"Walking among these beautiful plants, learning to distinguish their subtle differences, and sharing that knowledge with others is what Landcare is all about. I hope these trails inspire more people to discover the wonders in their own backyard."
Maps for the Weddin Wattle Trails are contained within the guidebook "Weddin Wattles – A Local Guide", which is available for purchase at the Grenfell Visitor Information Centre and the Weddin Community Native Nursery for just $10.
