The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is inviting applications from community members across the state to join its eight Regional Advisory Committees, helping shape the future management of some of NSW most iconic national parks and reserves.
NPWS recognising the value of lived experience, cultural knowledge and diverse perspectives in caring for NSW's protected areas is strongly encouraging applications from Aboriginal people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, young people, people with disability and veterans.
Regional Advisory Committees provide advice on the management of national parks and reserves across NSW - including the Blue Mountains National Park, Royal National Park, Kosciuszko National Park, Mungo National Park, Myall Lakes National Park and parks along the North Coast, South Coast and Greater Sydney.
Committee members play an important role in connecting NPWS with local communities and ensuring regional voices help inform park planning, conservation and visitor management.
In 2025, the Regional Advisory Committees were briefed on the rollout of body work cameras for authorised officers and provided comments on early proposals for fee reform and updates to the format of plans of management.
The Blue Mountains Regional Advisory Committee visited Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area to inspect campsites and track work and Northern Inland provided comments on Cuttaburra National Park and Thurloo Downs Statements of Management Intent.
The South Coast provided advice on Ben Boyd and Bell Bird Creek Nature Reserve draft plans of management and visited the Kembla Mountain Bike Tracks and the West Regional Advisory Committee reviewed the public submissions and provided advice to the Minister for the Kalyarr National Park Draft Plan of Management.
Up to 17 members will be appointed to each committee across the following NPWS field branches:
- West
- Northern Inland
- Blue Mountains
- Southern Ranges
- North Coast
- Hunter Central Coast
- Greater Sydney
- South Coast
Under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, Regional Advisory Committees provide advice to the Minister for the Environment on plans of management, and to the Department Secretary and the National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council on policies, plans and activities relevant to each region.
NPWS is seeking applicants with diverse backgrounds, skills and experience, including in:
- Conservation and environmental management
- Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cultural heritage
- Community engagement
- Education
- Recreation, ecotourism and sustainable visitor use
- Historic and World Heritage conservation
- Rural and regional issues
Quotes attributable to NPWS Director Policy and Engagement Claire Allen:
"We want our national parks to reflect the communities they belong to. NPWS strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal people, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, young people, people with disability and veterans.
"Regional Advisory Committees help shape how all parks, including Blue Mountains, Royal and Kosciuszko. are protected and enjoyed, ensuring local voices inform park management.
"If you have a connection and strategic interest in your local national park and want to make a difference, we encourage you to apply."
Applications close at 11:55pm on Wednesday 25 February 2026 and can be made online at:
www.environment.nsw.gov.au/racs
