Community Update - July 2026 Newsletter

Dungog Community Projects Limited - the appointed Crown Land Manager for the Dungog Common Recreation Reserve, is committed to keeping our community informed about governance, planning, activities, .

Meet the Team

Dungog Community Projects (DCP) Limited Board

Chairperson: Penny Willcock Board Members: Howard Glenn, Allen Shrimpton, Val Shannon, Marion Stuart, Bruce Chick

Dungog Common Community Advisory Group – “Common Voice”

Emma Heath, Peter Tiffin, David Smith, Tony Edwards, Philippa Graham, Lucy Miller

This advisory group includes community members and representatives from Common user organisations. Their insights and support are invaluable, and the DCP Board works closely with them to ensure the Common continues to serve the whole community.

DCP Initiatives

Dungog Common Recreation Reserve Strategic Plan

The Strategic Plan has now been formally adopted and is available in Dungog Common website at https://dungogcommon.org/reportsandocuments. This plan will guide the management and development of the Common over the next three years. Thank you to the community and the Advisory Group for your thoughtful contributions.

Vegetation Management Plan (VMP)

DCP has engaged ecologist Tim Mouton in collaboration with Dungog Commoners Landcare to prepare a Vegetation Management Plan for the Common. The VMP will support:

  • Protection of sensitive natural areas

  • Weed control strategies

  • Fire fuel reduction planning

  • Future grant applications

Although our recent grant application for weed‑control assistance was unsuccessful, we anticipate the VMP will strengthen our next submission.

Grazing Leases – Rifle Range & Burton Street Block

Earlier this year, DCP sought expressions of interest for grazing leases on two parcels of Common land.

  • Burton Street Block: Avrina Schiller has been awarded a further 12‑month tenure.

  • Rifle Range Paddock: Sharon Tollard has been awarded the 12‑month licence for cattle grazing.

The Rifle Range paddock remains open to the public with walking trails. Please ensure gates are closed behind you when entering or leaving.

Flagged Projects

DCP have  a detailed plan drawn up to signpost walking/running tracks on the Common, in a uniform and informative way. The cost of such signage is substantial so we have been applying for grants. Waiting to hear the results from last grant application which would see this the project come to fruition. 

Directional signage to Common – DCP have had a recent meeting with Dungog Shire Council (General Manager Gareth Curtis and Infrastructure and Assets Manger Damian Morris) which included discussion on lack of signage at town entrances or street signage to Common. Issue was noted and taken away to be investigated.

Dungog Common User Group Initiatives

Ride Dungog

The mountain bike flow tracks and trails continue to be a hive of activity. The Ride Dungog team does an exceptional job maintaining the network — a significant undertaking that ensures safer, more enjoyable riding for all users.

Highlights this year include:

  • Opening of the new Balistyk flow trail

  • Multiple competitions hosted by Ride Dungog

  • The June flow‑track event attracting over 150 competitors

  • Next race event - Saturday July 26 from 9.30am

 Granted Rides continues to operate a popular weekend shuttle service, transporting riders and bikes to the top of the flow tracks — a great way to maximise runs and enhance the riding experience

A reminder to all riders: please ensure you have appropriate insurance by being a member of AusCycling NSW.

To stay up to date with track conditions — especially after wet weather — visit https://ridedungog.org/ or check their Facebook page. You’ll also find their event calendar and details of upcoming competitions.

Run Dungog – 9 August 2026

The Run Dungog event is coming up on Sunday 9 August, starting from 6am. Trail running distances include:

  • 40km

  • 20km

  • 10km

  • 5km

A great day out for the whole family, with kids’ activities on site. For full details or to register, visit https://rundungog.com/

Sculpture on the Farm (SOF) – August 2027

Planning is well underway for the return of Sculpture on the Farm at Dungog Common in just over 12 months time. SOF is working with the DCP Board and Common Voice Advisory Group on;

 Placement of permanent concrete plinths for large sculptures.

 Levelling a large area near the entrance for the marquee housing smaller works.

Last year’s event attracted more than 3,000 visitors, and we expect 2027 to be even bigger.

It’s exciting to welcome this outstanding cultural event back to the Common.

Walking Tracks

The Common is home to a number of walking and running tracks. Maps and information can be found at dungogcommon.org, or you can pick up printed maps at the Dungog Shire Visitors Centre.

All tracks are dog‑friendly except the Girriwa Track, which winds over Hungry Hill — a nature reserve area within the Common. In other areas, dogs should be kept under control at all times. 

A recent initiative, “Boots on the Ground”, brought together Dungog Walkers and Dungog Common Landcare for a Sunday morning walk. The aim was twofold: introduce more people to this beautiful track and help define the trail through increased foot traffic. Dungog Walkers provided morning tea, making it a wonderful social community day.

Maintenance of all walking and running tracks is ongoing. We are very grateful to the volunteers who help keep these tracks clear and easy to follow.

Dungog Commoners Landcare

The aim of Dungog Commoners Landcare is to protect and preserve the Dungog Common habitat through weed removal, erosion control, and revegetation.

Landcare has assisted in the finalisation of the Vegetation Management Plan for Dungog Common, with a 5 hour site visit on the Common with ecologist Tim Mouton. Tim was re-acquainted with the Common, as he and Bill Dowling had done a flora and fauna survey report for Hungry Hill in 2018. Tim was shown areas of potential rainforest habitat, other areas known to have higher biodiversity, certain eucalypt community types, as well as grassed areas on Rifle Range.

Tip planting

Screen planting along the Short Street entrance southern boundary with Council’s Waste Management Facility will start shortly, as a combined effort between the Tip team and Dungog Commoners Landcare. With the aim to ‘beautify’ the location, local plant species have been chosen to provide food and habitat for birds and invertebrates.

Working Bee

Landcare’s regular working bee is on Thursdays on the Common. To check time and location, contact David if you intend to come on 0437625717 or dungogcommonerslandcare@gmail.com

New volunteers are always welcome.