Creating the rainforests of the future, students from St Patrick’s Primary School Lochinvar have been helping repair and restore Country in the Maitland region. They have also written a book about it to guide and inspire other children and adults to do the same. Their Envirostory, is hot off the press, available to download and can also be borrowed from Maitland libraries.
Enjoy an uplifting, illustrated story for all the family: On the banks of the Mighty Coquun River – Enviro-Stories
Teacher Chris Devorsine provided some more information: “In 2025, our Aboriginal students in Years 4, 5 and 6 participated in a ‘Looking After Country’ initiative by being involved in the Hunter Rainforest Revival Project. This action in partnership with Maitland City Council, Hunter Landcare and NSW Local Land Services allowed our students to explore a local dry rainforest, plant some seedlings and create a book outlining the plight of the Regent Bower bird. In 2026, we presented this book to other classes during World Read Aloud Day. Copies of this book can also be borrowed from the school library.”
The Hunter Rainforest Revival is continuing in 2026 with autumn plantings and education outreach. There is much to discover together about this important Lowland Dry Rainforest habitat, its flora, fauna and the ecosystem and farm benefits it brings, including protecting land from river erosion. There are four more years left of the project, which is coordinated by Hunter Region Landcare Network, supported by the NSW Environmental Trust with partners, Hunter Local Land Services and Maitland City Council. Hunter Rainforest Revival Project | Hunter Region Landcare Network