October 24: FoBBB Community Meeting and Panel Discussion - Lessons from 25 Years of Cabbage Tree Bay
Free tickets are available through Humanitix. Links at the bottom of this page.
Friends of Bongin Bongin Bay invites our community to join us on Saturday 24 October for an afternoon of conversation, reflection and planning for the future.
As we look ahead to the next chapter for Bongin Bongin Bay, we’re taking inspiration from one of Sydney’s great local marine conservation success stories — Cabbage Tree Bay.
Almost 25 years ago, local community members came together and collaborated with decision makers, scientists, businesses and not-for-profits around a shared belief that this special marine environment was worth protecting.
Today, Cabbage Tree Bay provides a powerful local, and global, example of what can be achieved when a community cares deeply about its coastal environment and works collectively towards its protection.
So, what can we learn from their journey — and how can those lessons help shape the future of Bongin Bongin Bay?
2:00–3:00pm | Community Meeting and Panel Discussion
Registration is required
FoBBB President Greg Pride will lead a panel discussion exploring the Cabbage Tree Bay journey, what has been learnt over almost 25 years and how those experiences might help inform our own path forward.
We are delighted to welcome four panellists bringing perspectives spanning community action, policy, business, science, marine stewardship and the next generation of ocean conservation:
- Judy Lambert: Pioneer & former politician
Judy will share the history of the community action that helped secure the reserve, together with insights from her experience in policy and environmental advocacy. - Richard Nicholls: Pioneer & businessman
Richard will explore local stewardship, the blue economy, dive safety and the role local businesses and communities can play in everyday marine protection. - John Sear: Scientist & photographer
John will share his observations of the marine environment and use science and photography to help illustrate the changes seen within Cabbage Tree Bay over almost 25 years. - Lara Gribbin: Student & filmmaker
Representing the next generation of ocean conservationists, Lara will explore how film and visual storytelling can educate, build awareness and inspire young people to use their voices for our oceans.
Together, we’ll look back at what worked, what has been learnt and how we can continue enjoying our saltwater lifestyle in harmony with the extraordinary coastal environment and ocean in our backyard for generations to come.
This is a community conversation and everyone is welcome. We also invite attendees to submit questions for our panel when registering, which we will endeavour to explore during the discussion as time allows.
Register here for the Lessons from 25 Years of Cabbage Tree Bay
3:00–4:00pm | FoBBB 2026 Annual General Meeting*
Following the community meeting, Friends of Bongin Bongin Bay will hold our 2026 Annual General Meeting.
The AGM is an important opportunity for our members to reflect on another year of conservation, education, advocacy and community action; review our financial reporting; elect office bearers and committee members; and discuss our priorities and plans for the year ahead.
*The AGM is for current FoBBB members only. Members are encouraged to ensure their membership is current prior to the meeting.
Not a Member Yet?
We welcome all members of the community to join Friends of Bongin Bongin Bay and support our mission to protect the bay and secure marine sanctuary status by 2027. Together, we can make a lasting difference for our ocean and future generations.
To view the full agenda, visit our AGM event page here
Register here for Friends of Bongin Bongin Bay Annual General Meeting (Members Only)