The City of Newcastle has embarked on significant change in recent years as a result of our Sustainability Review. As part of these changes Bushland Services has been formed which is a small team that supports all activities in bushland reserves across Council.

This has changed the way our bushland programs operate including the volunteer programs of bushcare, coastcare and dunecare. As part of these changes, THE CITY OF NEWCASTLE LANDCARE has been formed which is creating new opportunities for our current and future volunteers.

There are currently over 40 groups of volunteers working within the local government area of Newcastle which will continue to be supported by Council, with the additional support of the Hunter Region Landcare Network. Volunteers will continue to undertake a variety of natural resource management activities including bush regeneration, dune stabilisation, mulching, collection and propagation of seed of indigenous plants for Landcare sites, planting and recording of local flora and fauna.

Vision

Our overall vision is to preserve and protect biodiversity of our natural environment, and to foster community awareness and participation in sustainable natural resource management for Newcastle. Volunteers of The City of Newcastle Landcare will be working within the framework of the Landcare Ethic: working towards the ecological restoration and sustainable management of the land and water resources in the Hunter Region and to pass on a healthier natural environment to future generations.

Volunteering

The City of Newcastle Landcare volunteers will receive:

• Free training and guidance from council officers
• Resources such as tools and plants, mulch and signage
• The City of Newcastle Landcare newsletter (four times a year)
• Safety gear and insurance cover whilst working on council land
• A bbq party and awards each year to celebrate volunteering and achievements

For current volunteers and people interested in volunteering, visit the Landcare volunteers page.

Want to learn more about our bushland and coast, or interested in volunteering?

Contact Henrietta Alexander, Bushland Officer P: (02) 4904 3308 E: halexander@ncc.nsw.gov.au or Russell Pardey, Bushcare Officer P: (02) 4904 3306 E: rpardey@ncc.nsw.gov.au

Landcare

To find out more view the Hunter Region Landcare Network website.

Grants and funding opportunities

There are currently no funding opportunities available for community groups.

Documents

How does The City of Newcastle manage our local environment from the bushland to the sea?

View Council’s State of the Environment Report for all the details.