CHEN

Cattai Hills Environment Network (CHEN) is a community organisation focused on conservation, research and environmental education in the Cattai and Little Cattai Creek catchments. It works to protect local wildlife and habitats, promote sustainability and help the community understand the natural values of the Hills Shire. CHEN is the Land for Wildlife Regional Provider for the Hills Shire, supporting landowners who voluntarily register properties and manage areas for biodiversity and wildlife habitat.

The network’s activities include Landcare, citizen science and research, education for children and schools, and advocacy for environmental protection. Its projects include platypus conservation and habitat restoration along creek corridors, koala conservation, and eDNA water sampling to investigate platypus presence. CHEN also shares resources such as vegetation and wildlife-corridor booklets, videos about platypuses in Cattai Creek, and guidance on reporting sightings. Community members can take part through local Landcare groups, volunteer projects and regular meetings. Donations help support CHEN’s conservation work, Landcare initiatives and environmental education across the catchments.