On Wednesday 27th August 2025, Greater Sydney Landcare welcomed a team of eight Microsoft staff to Nurragingy Reserve in Doonside for the latest in a series of ongoing corporate volunteering days.
Over the past two years, Microsoft volunteers have returned several times to Nurragingy, steadily contributing to the restoration of this valuable patch of urban bushland. Each visit builds on the progress of the last—helping native plants and wildlife return and strengthening the impact of the work over time.
Greater Sydney Landcare and corporate teams carry out restoration works at Nurragingy in partnership with Blacktown City Council, the site’s land manager.
Tackling Invasive Weeds
On this day, the team contributed 32 hours of volunteer labour and removed an impressive 25 cubic metres of invasive weeds, including Large-leaf Privet, Small-leaf Privet, Wild Tobacco, Moth Vine, Senna and Yellow Cestrum. Their efforts are part of a bigger picture—helping native species reclaim the space and supporting the reserve’s long-term health.
The day was guided by Greater Sydney Landcare’s Corporate Engagement Manager, Sabina Roe, and Environmental Restoration Officer, Kylie Burrows, who taught the volunteers appropriate control methods for each weed species.
Sabina praised the Microsoft team, saying, “The group had a great energy from the start. They worked well as a team and communicated with each other. It was a mix of new and returning volunteers who really dug into the work and got a lot done.”
Thank you to the fantastic volunteers for their efforts!
Building Teams, Supporting Nature
Corporate volunteering with Greater Sydney Landcare is more than just a day outdoors. These events give teams a chance to connect away from the office and improve rapport—all while contributing to tangible environmental outcomes. For companies, it’s a practical way to support sustainability goals; for staff, it’s a rewarding and energising experience.
After a morning of hard work in which the weather turned from overcast to warm and breezy, Kylie treated the group to a well-earned BBQ lunch. The Microsoft team reflected positively on the day, saying:
- “It’s nice to get away from the computer. I’m feeling the endorphins!”
- “Nice change from the day-to-day.”
- “I had fun.”
Not only was the volunteering personally rewarding, but it also contributed to a vital practice: bush regeneration. By rehabilitating degraded bushland and reducing the impact of invasive weeds, the volunteers helped facilitate the natural regeneration of indigenous plants. This work enhances biodiversity and strengthens the resilience of ecosystems, ensuring they can better withstand future challenges.
A Shared Commitment
Greater Sydney Landcare thanks Blacktown City Council for allowing us to work with them on restoring this important habitat, and Microsoft for their ongoing commitment to environmental conservation in Greater Sydney. Together, we are seeing real results from the ongoing care of Nurragingy Reserve.
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.
