In many parts of south-eastern Australia, overabundant populations of native sea urchin cause destructive overgrazing and the widespread loss of seaweeds and associated biodiversity – leading to formerly productive kelp forests being replaced by ‘urchin barrens’. On the south coast of NSW, a diverse community participants joined together to restore an area of degraded kelp forest at a location of particularly high social, recreational, and economic value. Since 2022, a team comprising local divers, researchers, citizen scientists, commercial fishers, and recreational fishers have removed over 23,000 urchins from the site. A monitoring plan was also developed by the team, including shallow transects for snorkellers, training components, and control and reference locations. Where urchin densities were reduced, recovery of the kelp and other seaweeds has been rapid. Whilst slower, recovery of the associated fauna, including abalone and luderick, is now also occurring. Interpretative signage was also installed, and project results shared at public events. Despite a disparate group of participants and restoration aspirations, this project demonstrates that open discussion, rigorous science, respectful engagement, and supportive governance can facilitate positive environmental and social outcomes – all at a location that is now one of the largest enduring kelp restoration projects in Australia.