Georges River Council's Bushcare Program resumed yesterday with a volunteering event at Lime Kiln Bay Wetland.
All Bushcare volunteering opportunities have been cancelled for the past two months because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Georges River Council mayor, Kevin Greene is encouraging residents to get involved with its Bushcare Volunteer Program
"Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic we were reminded of the importance of our open space and parklands", Councillor Greene said.
"In what was a challenging time for all, the green space and bushland in the Georges River area provided us with a sanctuary that we could retreat to, and a space for maintaining our physical and mental health.
"There are opportunities for you to contribute to the conservation of these special places for current and future generations, and I encourage you to get involved with a Bushcare volunteering opportunity near you," Cr Greene said.
Councillor Sandy Grekas lodged a Notice of Motion at the Council Meeting on Monday 16 December 2019 which called for greater focus on the Bushcare Program.
"Council's Bushcare volunteers play a significant role in protecting our bushland reserves by actively participating in the propagation and planting of native flora species, the removal and eradication of noxious weeds and the delivery of educational programs aimed at conserving our unique natural environment," Cr Grekas said.
"We are fortunate to live in an area which features the Georges River and its beautiful bushland surrounds, and it is important that we work together as a community to continue to protect these precious natural assets now and into the future."
The Bushcare Program enables people to learn new skills while helping to improve the local bushland and biodiversity of native flora, create habitat for native animals and connect with like-minded people.
Bushcare volunteer Matte Reynolds said that he was inspired to join the program after hearing stories from his mother, who has been a part of Bushcare for over a decade, and a trip to Lord Howe Island touring its many natural wonders.
"Bushcare encompasses a variety of activities to improve the local environment including plant identification and weed control, planting and maintaining appropriate native species, bird and animal observation, environmental education, and of course, the all-important, world famous, Bushcare Morning Tea!," Matte said..
The program is an ideal activity for high school students completing their Duke of Edinburgh Award and spans many areas of the Georges River including Lime Kiln Bay, Riverwood Wetlands, Oatley Pleasure Grounds, Myles Dunphy Reserve, Poulton Park, Oatley Park, and Moore Reserve, as well as roving and native nursery groups.
Volunteers are offered training and supervision from the council's qualified bush regenerators, and tools and equipment are provided by the council.
To view Bushcare volunteering opportunities, visit www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/Council/Volunteering or call the council's Customer Service Team on 9330 6400 to register interest.
