On Thursday 10th April 2025, Greater Sydney Landcare welcomed a team of ten volunteers from Microsoft to McCoy Park in Toongabbie for a corporate volunteering day focused on restoring local bushland and waterways. Despite the overcast sky and 65% humidity, the team brought sunny energy, clocking up an awesome 45 hours of hands-on conservation work.
This event marked Microsoft’s seventh volunteering day with Greater Sydney Landcare (and their second working bee at McCoy Park) since we began working together in 2024—a valued partnership that continues to grow.
Restoring Bushland and Building Team Spirit
Led by Greater Sydney Landcare’s Corporate Engagement Manager Sabina Roe and supported by Bush Regenerator Matt Allison, the group undertook vital weeding work—removing 15 cubic metres of invasive weeds—across more than 400 square metres of degraded bushland.
Working across primary bush regeneration zones, volunteers tackled a range of invasive species including Lantana, Yellow Cestrum, Balloon Vine, Mulberry, and Bidens. Techniques included cut-and-paint, vine skirting, stem scraping and targeted drilling—critical tasks that will reduce weed infestations while allowing native species to regenerate and re-establish their natural dominance in the landscape.
The Microsoft team also collected an 80L rubbish bag full of litter and participated in Streamwatch water quality monitoring, helping to protect local waterways while learning about the urban catchment system.
Enthusiasm on the Ground
The Microsoft team was a mix of returning and first-time participants, all of whom brought great energy and focus to the day. The supervisors were impressed by their willingness to learn and the amount of ground they were able to cover.
“The group was fantastic—hardworking, eager to learn new skills, and genuinely enthusiastic,” said Sabina.
One volunteer added, “It was satisfying to skirt the vines and now to be able to see through the site.” Another simply summed it up: “I had so much fun!”
Food, Connection, and a Watermelon Treat
After a full morning’s work, the group enjoyed a well-earned BBQ lunch, with fresh watermelon for a refreshing afternoon tea. Conversations flowed, connections were made, and the day wrapped up with a shared sense of accomplishment.
Long-Term Conservation in Action
Bush regeneration is an ongoing process, and this effort by Microsoft volunteers represents a vital contribution to the long-term recovery of McCoy Park’s native vegetation. Dead branches from the cleared weed material were strategically left onsite to stabilise soil and prevent erosion on the sloped areas of the site.
Thank You to Our Partners
Greater Sydney Landcare extends sincere thanks to Microsoft for their continued support and commitment to environmental stewardship through corporate volunteering. We also thank Parramatta City Council, which manages McCoy Park, for allowing us to contribute to important restoration work on public land.
Together, we’re creating greener, healthier urban landscapes—one volunteering day at a time.
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.
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.
