NEARLY one in five Australian native birds and mammals are at high risk from H5N1 bird flu — a sobering backdrop to Threatened Species Day on Monday, 7 September.
Bellingen Shire Council is channeling this concern into hope by hosting its first local Threatened Species Bake-Off at the Memorial Hall studio.
The community event features inspiring talks by local biodiversity experts on current conservation threats.
Attendees can browse the edible entries, vote for their favourite, and sample the baked creations during a free morning tea.
Local entry divisions span three categories: Under 15s; Open Community; and Businesses, Schools, Agencies, and Volunteer Groups.
Bakers can feature iconic poster species like the koala, or the critically endangered Bellinger River snapping turtle, found only along a 60km stretch of our river.
Others might go for the stuttering frog or Floyd’s grass, named after the nationally acclaimed local botanist Alex Floyd OAM.
Pointing out the Shire’s 130+ threatened species, River and Biodiversity Officer Celeste Lymn stresses that threatened species conservation will need lots of time and the support of every Australian.
“We don’t know what we are losing until it’s gone,” she said.
Nationally, over 2175 threatened species are listed – up 54 per cent since 2000 – with NSW home to more than 1000.
Bellingen Council plays a role in combatting the decline of threatened species by implementing its Biodiversity Strategy, which includes mapping and monitoring high-value nature reserves and awarding Environmental Levy grants for habitat restoration.
This year marks the national Bake-Off’s 10th anniversary, featuring judges like Landcare Australia chair Peter Garrett.
To enter the federal competition, post a public photo of your cake on social media, tag @TSCommissioner, and use the hashtag #TSBakeOff2026.
To show your support locally and join in the fun, you must register online ahead of time as either a baker or a visitor via the Bellingen Shire Council Events Directory website.
The page contains detailed event instructions, including drop-off times and allergen guidelines.
To top it off, every local baker takes home a free native plant from Boggy Creek Natives to support our community’s biodiversity.
By Jessica MILLER
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