Can I just turn up or do I need to pre-register?

Unless you are a large community group (10 or more people) there is no need to pre-register. Simply turn up to the designated meeting spot as specified on the Bushcare calendar.

What do I need to bring?

All participants must arrive wearing long sleeved top and trousers, enclosed shoes and a hat suitable for work outside.

Bring plenty of drinking water, a cup for morning tea and a rain jacket (just in case).

What does Council provide?

Session is led by a qualified Bushland Officer who provides a safe, welcoming and educational work environment. Sessions over 2 hours also include a light morning or afternoon tea.

All tools, gloves, first aid and other equipment provided.

What if I can’t find you?

If you have trouble finding us just look out for the white Randwick City Council ute parked at the meeting spot or call the Bushcare mobile on 0410 314 830.

What if it’s raining?

There's never any obligation to work in uncomfortable conditions and attending in hot or wet weather is up to you.

In the case of dangerous conditions such as very heavy rain, wind or storms sessions will be cancelled and regular Bushcare volunteers notified via phone or email. Sign up to the eNews to stay in the loop.

Please text the Bushcare Officer on 0410 314 830 if you are unsure about attending.

Do I have to stay for the whole session?

No - the Bushcare program is designed around you the volunteer.

We welcome all participants to 'have a go' and appreciate that this may mean squeezing it around existing time constraints - every little bit helps.

On your first visit, it's recommended arriving just before the start time to take part in site briefings however there is no obligation to stay for the full duration.

Do I need previous experience?

Bushcare is open to all, no prior experience necessary. Volunteers join in for different reasons. Some do it to help the environment, others for the social aspect, to improve their English or simply to get out of the house.

All sessions are led by a qualified Bushland Officer who will introduce you to the group and activities, ensuring a safe, welcoming and informative experience.

Whether you're a self-identified plant killer or a student looking to gain practical experience undertaking ecosystem restoration we will meet you where you're at, to ensure you feel involved and empowered.

Ok, but what do you actually do at Bushcare?

Each Bushcare or Parkcare group has its own feel, whether it's the people, plants, place or tasks so it's worth trying a few different sessions to find the one right for you.

Our goal at Bushcare is always to expand and improve habitat. This involves:

• Wildlife spotting
• Identification of weedy and native plants
• Hand weeding, pruning and trimming.
• Installing plants Planting inRemoving weeds that invade bushland and outcompete native species
• Planting indigenous plants to help restore damaged ecosystems
• Installing erosion controls to stabilise slopes and uneven ground
• Trimming existing vegetation for access and light penetration

wildlife spotting, indentification of  native and weedy plants

Regardless of Broadly our  goal at Bushcare is to

Bushcare activities can vary depending on the site or even the session you attend. In general volunteers get involved in the following activities:

I want to bring some friends. Do you have a limit on how many people can attend?

Excellent! We’d be more than happy to accommodate you. We usually have a limit of 10 volunteers per session. If you are a larger group we’d really appreciate if you could get in touch with us beforehand. This way we can select a suitable site and ensure we have enough staff on the ground to cater for the group’s needs. The best way to do this is to contact the Bushcare Officer directly on 9093 6708 or at bushcare@randwick.nsw.gov.au

Will there be a supervisor on site?

Yes. Council’s Bushcare Officer will be on site to assist volunteers and answer any questions you may have. They will provide the suitable training and expertise to bring new volunteers up to speed as well as helping existing regular volunteers as needed.

What skills will I get out of it?

Bushcare can provide many new skills and experiences for volunteers. These include:

• Flora and fauna identification skills
• Land management skills
• Weed removal and planting skills
• Landscaping and gardening techniques
• Interpersonal skills
• Exposure to new tools and how to use them correctly

Can I bring my child?

Volunteers are welcome to bring their children, however they must remain on site with them at all times.

Is there an age limit for volunteers?

Yes. Due to insurance reasons children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Volunteers over the age of 16 are welcome to attend unaccompanied.

Do I have to turn up every week?

No. There is no minimum level of commitment. Volunteers are welcome to attend once or come back as often as they’d like.

Will I be making a good contribution?

Most certainly. By participating in Bushcare you are playing an active role in the management of your local environment. The weed control and planting activities you undertake are vital in helping to preserve and enhance existing bushland.

What’s in it for me?

Bushcare will provide you with the following benefits:

• Meet like-minded individuals
• Learn about the natural environment
• Provide wildlife viewing opportunities
• Opportunities to enjoy the outdoors
• Sense of accomplishment and contribution to the community
• Free morning tea

How fit do I need to be?

Bushcare is a suitable activity for most people to participate in. Depending on your fitness/mobility we can always find a task to accommodate your needs. If you’re unsure whether a site is suitable for you contact the Bushcare Officer directly on 9093 6708 or at bushcare@randwick.nsw.gov.au

Do I need to attend an induction?

Upon your first visit Council’s Bushcare Officer will get you to complete a registration form and will run through a brief work, health and safety induction with you. After that you are free to participate and enjoy Bushcare.

What other volunteering options are there?

There is a huge range of volunteer opportunities available for those who are keen. Depending on your area of interest these may be in education, health, housing, the environment or something else entirely. The best place to start is by doing some research on the internet to see what opportunities exist in your area. For people with a particular interest in getting outdoors and doing something worthwhile for Australia’s environment have a look at Conservation Volunteers Australia. Most local councils offer Bushcare programs so if Randwick City Council is a bit too far to travel see what opportunities your local council has to offer.

Other useful volunteer organisations to consider include:

• NSW Volunteering
• Go Volunteer
• Volunteering Australia

What are the risks?

Like any activity Bushcare has some inherent risks. The majority of risks are relatively minor and can be largely avoided by taking your time and following some simple precautions. Common risks include:

• Uneven landscape
• Sun exposure
• Sharp vegetation
• Working with tools

The best way to mitigate these risks is to adopt a common sense approach. This includes wearing appropriate clothing (long sleeved top and pants, enclosed shoes, hat), taking adequate rest and water breaks, being aware of your surroundings at all times and not rushing.