On 25 November 2025, Greater Sydney Landcare (GSL) hosted a hands-on bush regeneration day with 23 enthusiastic volunteers from Toyota Finance. The activity took place at Nurragingy Reserve in Doonside, a much-loved site where GSL works in close partnership with Blacktown City Council. Over the past year, GSL has brought numerous corporate groups to Nurragingy to support ongoing restoration efforts. Because bush regeneration is an iterative process, consistent follow-up days like this are vital to achieving long-term ecological recovery.
The event was led by three members of GSLβs Environmental Services team:
Danielle Hughes (Project Manager), Peter Cartwright (Environmental Field Officer), and Ryan Birtles (Revegetation Officer). Together, they guided volunteers through the dayβs activities, shared ecological knowledge, and ensured that everyone worked safely and effectively.
Despite temperatures climbing to 33 degrees, the Toyota Finance team powered through with determination and good spirits. Their hard work paid offβthey contributed 46 volunteer hours and removed an impressive 60 cubic metres of invasive weeds. The main target for the day was Privet, a highly invasive species in NSW. Privet outcompetes native vegetation by creating dense shade and dominating the understorey. By removing it, volunteers helped open up space and light for native seedlings to regenerate, boosting plant diversity and supporting a healthier ecosystem for local wildlife.
Volunteers were well cared for throughout the day, with morning tea and lunch provided, including plenty of fresh fruit, biscuits, and Subway sandwiches to keep everyone fuelled in the heat.
A Streamwatch activity was also facilitated by Mark Secombe, GSLβs Streamwatch Manager. Mark demonstrated how waterway health is assessed by collecting and identifying aquatic macroinvertebratesββwater bugsβ whose sensitivity to pollution makes them excellent indicators of stream condition. This hands-on experience gave volunteers a deeper understanding of the important role citizen science plays in protecting our local creeks.
Overall, the event was a fantastic example of collaboration between community, corporate volunteers, and local governmentβworking together to restore and care for Sydneyβs natural areas.
Join Blacktownβs Bushcare Program
If youβd 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 Sydneyβs environment. Will yours be next? Download our Corporate Volunteering Info Pack for more info.
