Eden's coastline is once again home to a colony of Little Penguins and Bega Valley Shire Council's Environment team is urging everyone to help protect their fragile environment.
After years of absence caused by storms and predators destroying nesting sites, the reestablishment of the colony around Twofold Bay marks a success for local conservation.
Several breeding pairs are now laying eggs and raising chicks along the rocky shoreline, a sign the penguins are reclaiming their place in Eden's coastal ecosystem.
"This is a great example of what community-led conservation can achieve," Council's Coastal Management Officer, Rachel Duczynski said.
"These penguins are a precious part of our coastal environment and we all have a role to play in ensuring they stay safe and continue to thrive."
The Friends of Little Penguins Eden group has led the recovery effort, with support from Council, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Port Authority of NSW.
Wendy Noble from the Friends of Little Penguins Eden group thanked everyone involved, saying the team's efforts will continue to focus on keeping the colony healthy.
"I couldn't be happier with the return of Little Penguins to Eden," she said. "Many people have worked hard behind the scenes to make it happen we now just have to hold onto them and protect them"
The project was largely funded through community donations and has used a clever mix of science and creativity, including artificial burrows, protective fencing and recorded penguin calls to draw the birds closer to shore.
As the colony grows, residents and visitors are being urged to take extra care, particularly during the core breeding period from July through to February.
Little Penguins are a protected native species in NSW and are highly vulnerable to predators such as foxes, monitors, dogs and cats.
"Simple actions make a big difference," Ms Duczynski said. "Keep dogs on a leash near the coast, bring cats indoors at night and if you spot a penguin, please enjoy from a distance and give it space."
The Friends of Little Penguins Eden continue to monitor the site and welcome new volunteers and supporters.
For more information or to get involved, visit www.littlepenguinseden.org.
