On Friday 27th June 2025, Greater Sydney Landcare hosted a corporate volunteering day at Nurragingy Reserve in Doonside, in the Blacktown LGA, bringing together a dedicated team of nine volunteers for a hands-on bush regeneration experience in one of Western Sydney’s beautiful green spaces.
Led by Greater Sydney Landcare’s Corporate Engagement Manager Sabina Roe and Environmental Field Officer Kylie Burrows, the group contributed a fantastic 45 hours of environmental work. In that time they were able to remove six cubic metres of invasive weeds—including wild Tobacco Bush and Moth Vine—across a 423 m² area of bushland. These efforts will help to restore habitat and improve biodiversity.
Learning Through Doing: From Weeds to Waterbugs
The day began under overcast skies but soon gave way to sunshine. As the group worked, they spotted a feral deer on site. This led to a discussion of local ecology and learning about the impact of invasive species in the area. The deer served as a real-world reminder of why we were there—to help restore the balance toward native species and protect local ecosystems from the pressures of invasive animals and plants.
In addition to weed removal, the group took part in a Streamwatch waterbug survey, led by Greater Sydney Landcare’s Streamwatch Manager Mark Secombe. All were excited to discover native aquatic life including Glass Shrimp and Caddisfly larvae in the water samples, which are great indicators of a healthy freshwater system. The group topped off the day with a litter clean-up and site walk, which gave volunteers with a chance to reflect on the improvements to this incredible environment that they’d helped achieve that day.
Learning, Connection and Making an Impact Through Volunteering
Corporate volunteering days with Greater Sydney Landcare offer more than just time outdoors—they’re a chance to learn about local ecosystems, connect with colleagues, and make a meaningful impact for nature.
As one participant shared: “Thank you for today, I’ve learnt so much.”
Another said of Nurragingy Reserve: “It’s such a beautiful site – I never knew there was this much bushland hidden in Western Sydney.”
“It’s great looking back where we worked and seeing the progress,” said another volunteer.
Sabina had high praise for the team, noting: “The group worked so well, they listened and asked lots of questions. They were lovely and a pleasure to work with all day.”
BBQ Lunch, Big Smiles and a Visit from Landcare NSW
The team refuelled with a tasty BBQ lunch in good company, with plenty of smiles all around. Angela Bibby, Regional Landcare Coordinator at Greater Sydney Landcare, joined midway through the day to lend a hand. Landcare NSW also stopped by to film content for the Landcare Enabling Program (LEP), to highlight conservation efforts within our region and throughout New South Wales. The LEP is a collaboration between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW supported by the NSW Government.
Thank You to All Involved
Thank you to our hardworking volunteers for their excellent efforts at Nurragingy. Special thanks to Blacktown City Council, as land managers of this unique and ecologically valuable site, for their support for our restoration work here. We look forward to returning for future work and seeing how the area continues to thrive.
Join Blacktown’s Bushcare Program
If you’d like to contribute to environmental efforts in the Blacktown area, you can volunteer to become a Blacktown City Council Bushcare volunteer, and regenerate bushland. No experience is necessary as training is provided.
Come Corporate Volunteering with Greater Sydney Landcare
Greater Sydney Landcare has hosted dozens of companies for Corporate Volunteering days to restore Greater Sydney’s environment. Will yours be next? Download our Corporate Volunteering Info Pack for more info.
