Celebrating 30 years of Bushcare in North Sydney

Primrose Park Bushcare group in February 2021

To mark the milestone, Stanton Library is exhibiting Bushcare memorabilia during May.

When you look at the bird’s eye photographs taken before and after Bushcare volunteers have worked on pockets of bushland in North Sydney, it becomes clear just how important their work is. Over the years, hundreds of locals have volunteered their time and energy to return weed-infested and neglected land back to its original state.

When you see the fruits of their labour – thriving native bushland – it’s easy to understand why so many volunteers have stayed involved for more than 20 or 30 years.

Nicole Bannister is one such local. She’s been involved since Bushcare began. “It’s meaningful,” she says. “You feel part of it, and it becomes your park. Every time you do something [clear some of the land and plant natives], it will have an effect. Even if you just do a little bit, it’s enough.”

From 29 April to 30 May 2023, Stanton Library is hosting a special Bushcare exhibition to mark the 30-year milestone. As part of this, visitors can view the complete collection of hard copy and digital Bushcare newsletters that have been added to the Local History section.

Bushcare volunteers

How Bushcare began

When Mosman sisters Joan and Eileen Bradley regenerated some local bushland in the 1960s, little did they know that their grassroot efforts would spark a movement. It wasn’t long before residents in North Sydney took inspiration and began working to revive pockets of native bush in their own local areas.

In 1993, Council formalised volunteer bush regeneration into an official program and the Bushcare we know today was born. It’s a collaborative effort, with Council staff providing education, guidance and support to volunteers as they work to restore native bushland. There are 12 groups working on different reserves across the local government area.

Bushcare has been so successful that it has expanded into several offshoot programs, including Wildlife Watch and Native Havens.

Join a Bushcare group

We have 12 bushcare groups across our Council area. You can find a group near you if you're interested in volunteering. Bushcare is a great way to meet people from all walks of life with a common interest in environmental protection.

What the volunteers are saying

There are many reasons why residents choose to become a Bushcare volunteer. For George Barbouttis, it’s not just about personal satisfaction. Rather, it’s the legacy he can leave behind for future generations.

“It’s not for me,” he says. “I’ve got grandchildren and I want to leave a better place for them… I won’t see the trees that we plant now grow up, but my grandchildren will.”

To celebrate Bushcare's 30th anniversary, Council has released a series of videos featuring long-standing volunteers. So don't take our word for it, hear what six Bushcare volunteers, including George, have to say. 

Six Bushcare volunteers share their highlights

Published: 23 March 2023