Bushcare is a community-based volunteer program supported by Council. It celebrated its 30th year anniversary in May 2023. Bushcare volunteers receive training and guidance from our dedicated Bushcare officers.

Group of Bushcare volunteers among greenery at old School Park, Gymea
Aerial shot of Bushcare volunteers forming a 30 at Old School Park, Gymea

Council’s Community Nursery volunteer propagation specialists won Environmental Citizen of the Year as part of the 2024 Sutherland Shire Australia Day Awards. Four experienced volunteers helped Council’s nursery team in production planning, propagation, and identification of new and endangered plant species. This work contributed to reintroducing native plant species across the Sydney metro area.

Environmental Citizen of the Year WinnerSutherland Shire Council Community Nursery volunteer propagation specialists

With over 3,000 hectares of bushland in Sutherland Shire, volunteers are essential in helping restore and preserve our environment. Currently, our 650 Bushcare volunteers help care for more than 110 bushland reserves. View Bushcare locations.

Bushcare volunteers
Bushcare volunteers outdoors
Bushcare volunteers

Becoming a volunteer has many benefits, including:

  • gaining valuable experience and learning new skills
  • learning about environmental issues
  • keeping your mind and body active
  • gaining hands-on experience
  • meeting new people and making lifelong friends.

Volunteer responsibilities

Volunteers work under the direction of our staff using bush regeneration techniques to:

  • protect indigenous fauna, flora and remnant vegetation
  • rehabilitate natural areas
  • activate community involvement.