On Thursday 27th February 2025, a team of 20 awesome volunteers from Microsoft joined Greater Sydney Landcare for a corporate volunteering day at McCoy Park in Toongabbie—contributing an incredible 80 hours of on-ground conservation work in remnant native bushland.
The team worked alongside Greater Sydney Landcare’s Matt Keighery under hot summer conditions to complete vital primary bush regeneration work, removing an impressive 33 cubic metres of invasive weeds including Lantana, Green Cestrum, and Mulberry. The group also removed two bags of rubbish from the site, helping to improve both the appearance and ecological health of the area.
Restoring Valuable Remnant Bushland
The site—managed by Parramatta City Council—is a pocket of remnant vegetation nestled beside Blacktown Creek, with around 17 mature Eucalypts still standing, including Grey Box (Eucalyptus moluccana) and Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis), plus She-oaks (Casuarinas), Bursarias, and Parramatta Wattle (Acacia parramattensis) in the park as well. Volunteers were excited to spot beautiful Superb Fairy-wrens flitting through the understorey—a promising sign of the site’s resilience and habitat value to native wildlife.
By removing weeds encroaching on these magnificent mature Eucalypts and native bushland, the group helped to restore the balance. Invasive species like Lantana and Green Cestrum can quickly overwhelm native vegetation, outcompeting it for light, water, and nutrients. By clearing these weeds, the team created space for native plants to regenerate naturally, improving habitat quality for local wildlife. Their efforts support the long-term health of this remnant ecosystem and contribute to a more resilient, biodiverse urban landscape.
The group worked on a total area of 1,527 m², focussing along a significant perimeter of bushland edge. Despite the summer heat—and a surprise bull ant bite for one brave participant—spirits remained high throughout the day.
“Events like these are a great way to engage with local landscapes and understand how small actions can have a big impact,” said Matt.
Making a Difference Together
Greater Sydney Landcare is grateful to Microsoft for their ongoing commitment to supporting local bushland through corporate volunteering. This event marked Microsoft’s sixth volunteering day with us since we began working together in 2024—a valued partnership that continues to grow. By returning to sites like McCoy Park over time, corporate teams help build momentum in bush regeneration efforts—allowing for consistent progress, better ecological outcomes, and stronger connections to place.
These events not only contribute to environmental restoration, but also offer participants the chance to step outside the office and engage meaningfully with the landscapes around them. Spending time in nature has been shown to boost wellbeing, build teamwork, and foster a stronger sense of purpose—making corporate volunteering a win for both staff and the environment.
We thank the Microsoft volunteers for their hard work, curiosity, and commitment to environmental stewardship, and Parramatta City Council for supporting this collaborative effort to care for local bushland.
Volunteer for Bushcare in Parramatta
If you’d like to contribute to environmental efforts in the Parramatta 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.
