On Wednesday 7th May 2025, Greater Sydney Landcare welcomed 14 enthusiastic volunteers from the John Holland and Laing O’Rourke Joint Venture for a rewarding day of environmental restoration at Pat O’Conner Reserve in Canterbury, not far from the team’s site office.
Making a Meaningful Impact
The dedicated team contributed an impressive 60 volunteer hours, working together to transform a section of the reserve through strategic planting and invasive weed removal. Their efforts included:
- Removing 4 cubic metres of invasive weeds including Moth Vine, Asparagus Fern, Panic Veldt Grass, and Corn Sowthistle
- Planting 450 native grasses (Themeda, Dichelachne, Cymbopogon and Microlena) supplied by the City of Canterbury Bankstown
The grasses will form an understorey to the 1,500 native trees and shrubs Greater Sydney Landcareโs Creating Canopies project planted with community volunteers at the reserve in November 2024.
“The group was lovely and took great care with their planting,” noted Sabina Roe, Greater Sydney Landcare’s Corporate Engagement Manager who led the day alongside Bush Regenerator Matt Allison and the City of Canterbury Bankstownโs Bushcare Officer Peter Goss. “They were able to complete the planting remarkably quickly!” Sabina said.
Learning New Skills While Giving Back
Volunteers didn’t just provide physical labourโthey gained valuable bush regeneration knowledge during the event. They learned to identify and remove harmful invasive species that threaten native ecosystems, including:
- Asparagus Fern, a Weed of National Significance that forms dense thickets that smother native plants
- Moth Vine, a fast-growing climber that can smother shrubs and small trees even in undisturbed forest
- Panic Veldt Grass, an aggressive species that rapidly spreads and outcompetes native ground cover
- Corn Sowthistle, a persistent invader with creeping roots and potential for broad spread
The Corporate Volunteering Experience
The event provided a perfect opportunity for team members to connect outside the work environment while contributing to their local community. “It’s nice to get out of the officeโvery grounding,” remarked one participant.
Under pleasant weather conditionsโcloudy with sunny breaks and a comfortable top of 24ยฐCโthe team worked from 8:30 am until 1:30 pm, concluding with a well-deserved BBQ lunch prepared by Matt.
The John Holland and Laing O’Rourke Joint Venture is working closely with Sydney Metro along the Sydenham to Bankstown corridor to deliver the Southwest Metro project. This day exemplified how organisations can integrate community environmental stewardship into their corporate culture.
Partner with Greater Sydney Landcare for Your Next Team Building Event
Corporate volunteering with Greater Sydney Landcare offers organisations a unique opportunity to make a tangible, positive impact on local ecosystems while providing team members with valuable benefits like:
- Face-to-face collaboration in a natural setting
- Improved team rapport and communication
- Enhanced employee wellbeing and morale
- Practical environmental education
- Meaningful community contribution and legacy
Greater Sydney Landcare extends sincere thanks to the City of Canterbury-Bankstown for providing this site and expertise for bush regeneration, and to the John Holland and Laing O’Rourke Joint Venture team for their dedication to restoring nature in our shared community spaces.
Volunteer for Bushcare in Canterbury-Bankstown
If youโd like to contribute to environmental efforts in the Canterbury-Bankstown LGA, you can become a Bushcare volunteer and regenerate bushland. No experience is necessary as training is provided.
Corporate Volunteering with Greater Sydney Landcare
Contact Greater Sydney Landcare today to discover how your organisation can benefit from a tailored corporate volunteering experience.
Find out more about Corporate Volunteering with Greater Sydney Landcare here. Be sure to download our Corporate Volunteering Info Pack.
