The United Nations Decade of Restoration aims to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean. Corporate volunteering is an important element of many companies’ initiatives to actively help with and contribute to environmental activities that support the UN’s goals of increasing biodiversity and restoring ecosystems.
Greater Sydney Landcare (GSL) has provided many companies in 2024 with opportunities for employees to learn about and work within local natural ecosystems such as Blacktown City Council’s Nurragingy Reserve in Doonside.
Nurragingy Reserve is named in honour of one of two Indigenous Australians from the Dharug tribe who were granted land by Governor Lachlan Macquarie during the colonial era. The other recipient, Colebee, is commemorated within the reserve through the naming of the Colebee Centre, a convention facility located on-site. This recognition highlights the deep cultural and historical significance of the area, which is recognised and acknowledged by the GSL Team.
A grant from Microsoft to Greater Sydney Landcare, coupled with an ongoing commitment to provide volunteer days for its employees at Nurragingy Reserve, has opened new opportunities for GSL to collaborate with Blacktown City Council (BCC). Working closely with BCC’s Senior Bushland Officer, Katrina Brown, this partnership is creating corporate volunteering opportunities that will have a direct impact on the restoration of a critically endangered ecological community—Cumberland Plain Woodland—situated within the floodplain of Eastern Creek.
Microsoft’s grant has supported ongoing work at Nurragingy including the planting of 200 Carex apressa plants that were grown from seed collected at Nurragingy, a mulching truck to reduce green waste produced by volunteer days and lower fire risk. Over 70 Microsoft volunteers have participated in the volunteer days and the funds have supported GSL to scale the program to other corporate and community groups to participate in volunteering.
As well as supervising restoration activities, GSL has incorporated educational components through its Streamwatch program. This program, designed to assess water quality, engages volunteers in measuring biotic and abiotic indicators, ensuring that the freshwater wetlands within the reserve remain healthy and balanced. These efforts align with the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, emphasising both the ecological and educational importance of the initiative.
These days were offered to other companies including local companies within the Blacktown LGA and they have been enthusiastically embraced. Employees enjoy the opportunity to work outside the office, share unique team experiences, and make a tangible impact on the environment.
The Results
- Corporate Days = 10
- 6 companies have provided 10 days for their employees to volunteer.
- Weeds targeted
- Priority species on site have included Small Leaf Privet, Large Leaf privet, Lantana, African Olive, Blackberry, Balloon Vine, Bridal Creeper, Tobacco Bush and Paddys Lucerne.
- Cubic metres of weeds removed
- Approximately 300 cubic metres of woody and other weeds have been removed from the site – benefiting the biodiversity by reducing monocultures and allowing light to reach further into the ground layer. Remnant trees are being freed from competition.
- Plants planted
- 200 Carex apressa plants have been planted to outcompete invasive ground covers and grasses
A strong partnership between Blacktown City Council (BCC) and Greater Sydney Landcare (GSL) has brought clear benefits to Nurragingy Reserve, with GSL’s corporate volunteering program providing long-term support.
GSL is working towards Landcare’s mission “to foster a community that is aware, engaged, and active in caring for their environment,” ensuring healthier and more resilient ecosystems. Supported by the grant from Microsoft and volunteer efforts from multiple companies, the Microsoft+Nurragingy initiative is a model for future projects that enhance local ecosystems and promote environmental sustainability.
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.
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.
