On Friday the 8th of May, ABN AMRO Clearing Australia joined Greater Sydney Landcare for a rewarding planting day at Marri Badoo Reserve, Rydalmere. Over the course of the day 14 enthusiastic volunteers worked alongside the Greater Sydney Landcare team to help improve the health and diversity of this important local reserve.
Marri Badoo means “many waters” in the local Darug language, named for the chain of ponds and springs which flow through the reserve to form The Ponds Creek and Subiaco Creek. Surrounded by urban development, this reserve provides important habitat for many native bird species, including a family of Brush Turkeys currently nesting on site.
The group planted an incredible 1,600 native plants throughout the reserve, contributing to ongoing restoration efforts aimed at increasing biodiversity, improving habitat connectivity, and supporting the long-term resilience of the local ecosystem. Species planted included Lomandra longifolia, Dianella caerulea, Themeda triandra, Microlaena stipoides, Dichondra repens, Viola hederacea, and Cymbopogon refractus. These new plantings will help stabilise soil, suppress weeds, and provide important habitat for native wildlife as the site continues to regenerate.
ABN AMRO Clearing volunteers planting Marri Badoo Reserve 
ABN AMRO Clearing volunteers planting Marri Badoo Reserve 
Planting Marri Badoo 
ABN AMRO Clearing volunteers planting Marri Badoo Reserve 
ABN AMRO Clearing volunteers planting Marri Badoo Reserve 
ABN AMRO Clearing volunteers planting Marri Badoo Reserve 
ABN AMRO Clearing volunteers planting Marri Badoo Reserve 
ABN AMRO Clearing volunteers planting Marri Badoo Reserve 
Goodenia ovata at Marri Badoo
The volunteers brought fantastic energy to the day, showing genuine curiosity and engagement throughout the event. During a guided site walk and talk with Greater Sydney Landcare Environmental Services staff Bryce and Peter, the team learnt about the environmental significance of Marri Badoo Reserve, the challenges facing urban bushland, and the importance of long-term restoration work in Western Sydney waterways and green spaces. Bryce shared that volunteers asked thoughtful questions and showed a strong interest in understanding how community and corporate action can make a meaningful difference on the ground.
In addition to planting, the team also helped clean up the reserve, collecting two full 80L bags of rubbish from the site. Removing litter from bushland areas helps protect local wildlife, improves waterway health, and creates cleaner, safer public green spaces for the community to enjoy.
The team also enjoyed a well-earned morning tea and Subway lunch together after a productive morning on the ground. Reflecting on the experience, the ABN AMRO Clearing Australia team shared:
“The team was buzzed about helping out planting the ground coverage last Friday with Bryce and PJ. We all had a good day and were well fed too”
Greater Sydney Landcare would like to sincerely thank ABN AMRO Clearing Australia for their hard work, positivity, and commitment to supporting local environmental restoration. Corporate volunteering days like this play an important role in helping restore and protect urban bushland while fostering stronger connections between people and the environment.
This planting forms part of the broader Healthy Cities Landcare Grants program—an initiative proudly supported by Bupa and Landcare Australia, in partnership with City of Parramatta and Greater Sydney Landcare. The project aims to plant thousands of native species along The Ponds and Subiaco Creek, improving habitat, stabilising creek banks, and enhancing biodiversity across the catchment.
Join Parramatta’s Bushcare Program
If you’d like to contribute to environmental efforts in the Parramatta area, you can volunteer to become a Parramatta City Council Bushcare volunteer and regenerate bushland. No experience is necessary as training is provided.
Looking Ahead & Future Opportunities
With such a successful collaboration, Greater Sydney Landcare is excited to build on these efforts in 2026 and beyond. If your organisation is interested in meaningful corporate volunteering opportunities that support conservation in Greater Sydney, we’d love to hear from you! You can also download our Corporate Volunteering Info Pack to find out more.
