Blue Mountains News

More than 60 active groups operate throughout the Blue Mountains, carrying out bush regeneration activities to help maintain the health of the local environment and protect our World Heritage Area.

The 2023 picnic event at Sun Valley Reserve saw a range of activities, including the ‘Bushcare Olympics’ and ‘Bushcare Bake Off’, as well as an interpretive walk led by Council’s Program Leader of Natural Area Management, Eric Mahony, who spoke about the critically endangered Sun Valley Cabbage Gum Forest that extends around the reserve.

Blue Mountains City Council Mayor Mark Greenhill and Councillors attended and presented awards on the day, commending the local volunteers for their hard work.

“The resolve and unfailing passion and energy of the Bushcare program and volunteers is awe-inspiring, especially in the face of the additional challenges of modern times like the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing climate emergency,” Mayor Greenhill said.

The Golden Trowel Bushcare Legend Award is the highest of Bushcare honours, and was this year presented to Ian Power.

Young Bushcare Volunteer Manu Domicelj received the Junior Ryan Strathdee Memorial Shield, with other awards presented to Kathy Chapman (Landcare Legend Award), Robert Kneale and Deb Atkins (Hard Yakka Award), Helen Boundy (Masters Award) and Emmanuela Prigioni (Environmental Warrior Award).

Certificates of appreciation were awarded to Dick Turner for his lifetime of volunteering across a number of agencies, and Fiona Lumsden and John French for their extensive bird knowledge, surveys, and enthusiasm within the program.

The Conservation Society Nursery was also recognised for their ongoing support and contributions to the program.

A number of Bushcare groups celebrated milestone birthdays, including Marmion Swamp (15 Year Anniversary), and Wilsons Glen and Brahma Kumaris (20 years).

Vale Street, Sutton Park, Cox Reserve, Leura Cascades, Wentworth Falls Lake and Three Gullies all marked 25 years, followed by Else-Mitchell Park and Lone Pine Gordon Falls which are celebrating 30-year anniversaries.

To find your local Bushcare or Landcare Group go to: here