About BCN
What we’re working on
Bellarine Catchment Network
Community driven projects to protect and enhance the environmental values of the Bellarine
The Bellarine Catchment Network (BCN) comprises representatives from key catchment and coastal organisations (both government and non-government) with an integrated catchment management focus. This includes environment groups, 'Friends Of', Landmanagers, Landcare and Coastcare groups. BCN employees seven officers to implement the projects of the committee.
The Beginning (1997)
A grass-roots, community-driven project to protect Swan Bay, a marine Ramsar wetland, began in the Swan Bay Catchment in 1997 with the formation of the Swan Bay Integrated Catchment Management Committee.
The project brought together government and non-government organizations to plan and initiate combined action by community, schools, government and industry to tackle major environmental and land management issues across the catchment, coastal and marine environments of the Swan Bay Catchment. The Swan Bay Catchment Action Plan was developed by the committee as the primary focus document for committee activity and direction. The Swan Bay Integrated Catchment Management Committee changed to the Bellarine Catchment Network.
Our Vision
Healthy, flourishing and diverse ecosystems cared for by an aware and engaged community.
Our Mission
To be an integrated, inclusive and collaborative network that educates, facilitates, connects and empowers groups and individuals to care for the living things of the land and water of the Bellarine catchment.
Our Purpose
The purposes of the Association are to work on behalf of its members towards:
Healthy, well-connected and resilient wetlands, waterways and native vegetation ecosystems;
Sustainable agricultural and land management practices;
Healthy marine and coastal environments; and
A community which is engaged in protecting the natural environment and minimising threatening processes.
5-year Strategic Plan
Bellarine Catchment Network created an inspiring strategic plan to help drive our vision and goals for the next 5 years, covering financial years from 2023-2028.
To read our Strategic Plan, click here.
Community driven projects to protect and enhance the environmental values of the Bellarine
The Bellarine Catchment Network (BCN) comprises representatives from key catchment and coastal organisations (both government and non-government) with an integrated catchment management focus. This includes environment groups, 'Friends Of', Landmanagers, Landcare and Coastcare groups. BCN employees seven officers to implement the projects of the committee.
The Beginning (1997)
A grass-roots, community-driven project to protect Swan Bay, a marine Ramsar wetland, began in the Swan Bay Catchment in 1997 with the formation of the Swan Bay Integrated Catchment Management Committee.
The project brought together government and non-government organizations to plan and initiate combined action by community, schools, government and industry to tackle major environmental and land management issues across the catchment, coastal and marine environments of the Swan Bay Catchment. The Swan Bay Catchment Action Plan was developed by the committee as the primary focus document for committee activity and direction. The Swan Bay Integrated Catchment Management Committee changed to the Bellarine Catchment Network.
Our Vision
Healthy, flourishing and diverse ecosystems cared for by an aware and engaged community.
Our Mission
To be an integrated, inclusive and collaborative network that educates, facilitates, connects and empowers groups and individuals to care for the living things of the land and water of the Bellarine catchment.
Our Purpose
The purposes of the Association are to work on behalf of its members towards:
Healthy, well-connected and resilient wetlands, waterways and native vegetation ecosystems;
Sustainable agricultural and land management practices;
Healthy marine and coastal environments; and
A community which is engaged in protecting the natural environment and minimising threatening processes.
5-year Strategic Plan
Bellarine Catchment Network created an inspiring strategic plan to help drive our vision and goals for the next 5 years, covering financial years from 2023-2028.
To read our Strategic Plan, click here.
Caring for Our Bays
Protecting the health of Corio Bay and
Port Phillip Bay through litter reduction, community education and partnerships
with local businesses and councils.
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Biodiversity & Habitat
Supporting revegetation, weed control
and citizen science projects that help
native plants and animals thrive across
the Bellarine.
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Education & Community
Workshops, school, volunteer programs
and resources that help people of all ages understand and care for the local environment.
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Upcoming events
Join a working bee, come along to a community talk, or bring the family to a coastal activity day. There’s always something happening around the Bellarine.
Coastal Dune Planting
Ocean Grove
Help restore native dune vegetation, meet local volunteers and learn about coastal ecology.
18/03/2026
10:00am–12:00pm
View event
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We acknowledge the Wadawurrung People as the Traditional Owners of the land, waters, seas and skies of the Bellarine Peninsula, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We honour the deep connection Wadawurrung People have maintained Country for thousands of years through care, knowledge and stewardship.
As an organisation working to protect and restore biodiversity across the Bellarine, we recognise the importance of listening to and learning from Traditional Owners. We are committed to working respectfully with Wadawurrung People to care for Country and support healthy, thriving ecosystems and communities
As an organisation working to protect and restore biodiversity across the Bellarine, we recognise the importance of listening to and learning from Traditional Owners. We are committed to working respectfully with Wadawurrung People to care for Country and support healthy, thriving ecosystems and communities
Latest News
Stories from across the network – project updates, volunteer highlights and resources for community groups.