On Tuesday 2nd September 2025, Greater Sydney Landcare hosted a corporate volunteering day for Delta Electronics Australia at the Mount Schoenstatt Shrine & Retreat in Mulgoa, located in the Penrith Local Government Area.
12 Delta volunteers contributed an impressive 60 volunteer hours, removing 30 cubic metres of invasive Lantana from two areas on the property. One area was weeded for the first time whereas the second was re-treating to prevent weeds from returning as native plants re-establishβa vital aspect of long-term bush regeneration.
Battling a Weed of National Significance
Lantana camara is a Weed of National Significance in Australia due to its invasiveness, potential for spread, and significant environmental and economic impacts. It forms dense, impenetrable thickets that outcompete native vegetation, reduce biodiversity, and increase fire hazards. Managing Lantana is essential to protect native ecosystems and agricultural productivity.
Learning from Local Conservation Heroes
The day was led by Greater Sydney Landcareβs Corporate Engagement Manager, Sabina Roe, and Local Landcare Coordinator Sophie Blair alongside Lisa Harrold, President of Mulgoa Valley Landcare. Lisa shared her expertise on koala habitat conservation in the area with the group.
βThe Cumberland Plains area is known to support rich habitats and food trees that koalas love, but they are badly fragmented and disconnected,” said Lisa. “Weβre working with property owners in key areas to restore connectivity. Weβve had a few koalas passing through this area in the past and we hope that if more habitats are intact, weβll see more koalas back in this area over time as nearby populations grow. This work will also benefit a whole lot of other species that require intact corridors to move through in order to thrive.β
Making Every Minute Count
Sabina praised the volunteersβ efforts, saying: βThe group was enthusiastic, committed to removing the biggest Lantana bush they could.β
The volunteers reflected on their experiences, saying:
- βIt feels good to dig into the lantana and clear it.β
- βLisa’s talk on koala conservation in the area was really interesting.β
- βItβs so beautiful here.β
- βThis is the furthest west I have beenβitβs great to see the bushland.β
Even local wildlife seemed curious about the volunteersβ work, with kangaroos spotted nearby checking out the group as they cleared Lantana, a reminder of the direct connection between restoration efforts and the animals that benefit.
βThis wasnβt just about pulling weedsβit was about planting hope,β saidΒ Tom Hew, Country Manager at Delta Electronics Australia. βSeeing our team come together for this cause, learning about koala conservation, and making a tangible difference in the environment was incredibly powerful. Itβs a perfect example of how corporate responsibility can translate into real-world impact. At Delta, weβre not only engineering energy-efficient solutionsβweβre also investing in the health of our planet and communities.β
Caring for Greater Sydneyβs Environment, Together
This corporate volunteering day highlights how collaborative efforts can make a tangible impact on bushland restoration, wildlife conservation, and the protection of Sydneyβs natural environment.
Greater Sydney Landcare thanks Lisa Harrold and Mulgoa Valley Landcare for their support and expertise, and a big thank you to the Delta Electronics Australia volunteers for their energy, hard work, and commitment to restoring bushland. Your contribution makes a real difference for wildlife and the environment.
Volunteer for Bushcare in Penrith
If youβd like to contribute to environmental efforts in the Penrith LGA, you can become a Bushcare volunteer and regenerate bushland. No experience is necessary as training is provided.
Corporate Volunteering with Greater Sydney Landcare
Find out more about Corporate Volunteering with Greater Sydney Landcare here. Be sure to download our Corporate Volunteering Info Pack.
