On Friday 4th April 2025, Greater Sydney Landcare hosted a fantastic day of corporate volunteering at Riverglade Reserve, Huntleys Cove, bringing together 23 enthusiastic Hanshow employees and 7 dedicated Hunter’s Hill Bushcare volunteers to care for nature.
The event, run in partnership with Hunter’s Hill Council, took place in the heart of the Hunter’s Hill Local Government Area. With support from the Council’s Bushcare Volunteer Coordinator, Michael Shilman, volunteers were guided through planting techniques and spent the day making a real impact on the local environment.
Thanks to Hunter’s Hill Council for providing the site, supplying native plants and leading the hands-on activity.
Social and community responsibility is a key part of Hanshow’s mission, and the team truly rose to the occasion. Together, the group planted more than 600 native shrubs, grasses and groundcovers, including species such as Melaleuca, Acacia, Pultenaea, Daviesia, Microlaena, Lomandra, Dianella, Dichondra and Lobelia.
The planting effort was focused on extending a vital shrub corridor to support small bird habitat, particularly for the beautiful Red-browed Finches that call the reserve home.
In addition to the planting, Mark Secombe from Greater Sydney Landcare’s Streamwatch program led the group in a water quality assessment of Tarban Creek, which flows through the reserve and into the Parramatta River. This gave volunteers a hands-on look at local waterway health and the importance of urban catchment care.
Greater Sydney Landcare staff – Sabina Roe (Local Landcare Coordinator – Regional Support), Kylie Burrows (Environmental Fieldwork Officer), and Mark Secombe (Streamwatch Manager) – coordinated the day’s activities.
Reflecting on the experience, Sabina said: “The volunteers were absolutely lovely—enthusiastic, thoughtful, and really cared about doing the job right. They took great care to plant each seedling properly, ensuring the best chance of survival and growth. Their attention to detail and willingness to learn made the day a great success, and their efforts will leave a lasting positive impact on the local environment.”
After a rewarding morning of work, the group enjoyed a well-earned BBQ lunch beside the mangroves of Riverglade Reserve. The weather was lovely and sunny, making it a perfect backdrop for connecting with nature and community.
A huge thank you to Hanshow, Hunter’s Hill Council – particularly Jacqui Vollmer and Michael Shilman – and the wonderful Hunter’s Hill Bushcare volunteers for their time, energy and commitment to caring for our local environment.
Volunteer for Bushcare in Hunter’s Hill
If you’d like to contribute to environmental efforts in the Hunter’s Hill 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.
About Streamwatch
Streamwatch is a citizen science water monitoring program, managed by Greater Sydney Landcare, that enables community groups to monitor the quality and health of local waterways.
