Redlanders will celebrate 20 years of the local Bushcare movement at a free family fun day at Redlands IndigiScapes Centre on Sunday, 13 September.
The event, which also incorporates National Bilby Day, will be packed with fun and entertainment for adults and children from 10am-2pm.
“There will be the opportunity to get hands on with practical workshops and activities, as well as meet a koala and a bilby,’’ says Council environment spokesman Cr Lance Hewlett (Division 4).
“But above all you will get to learn plenty about our local environment and celebrate the enormous contribution that our many Bushcare volunteers have made to the Redlands over the past 20 years.’’
Bushcare volunteer Margrit Lack of the Coochiemudlo Island Bushcare Group, one of the earliest to join the then-Redland Shire Bushcare program, says the movement is continuing to bring positive changes to the community’s attitude and awareness of our special natural environment.
“Our island is blessed to have a green belt called the emerald fringe and our group looks after several areas along the foreshore. I am lucky to be the convenor of a passionate group of people who are committed to the care of these sites,’’ Margrit explains.
“We do our best to keep them weed free and replace native vegetation when required, many times with plants from the island’s native nursery.
“We are determined to continue our work by example to bring about further positive changes.’’
Margrit says that as well as helping the environment and fostering community interest in native plants and bush-friendly activities, Bushcare is also big on community spirit.
“We take part in island market days with an information stall with educational and promotional materials, as well as interesting displays relevant to the island’s environment,’’ Margrit says.
“Many new Bushcare members have joined through this … maybe it was just our irresistible charm! And we must not forget our famous morning tea after our hard work, a time to chat and have fun, to foster warm friendships and to confirm how much we care about our little jewel of an island.”
Enjoying the outdoors, gaining life-long friendships and making a difference to your local environment are just some reasons to join a Bushcare group.
Come down to the Bushcare Mayor Day Out event this Sunday to find out more. It will be a fun day with prizes to be won, a sausage sizzle and the chance to take a mystery bus trip. It’s on at Redlands IndigiScapes Centre, 17 Runnymede Road, Capalaba.
Photo courtesy of Lee Steindl: Margrit Lack (Convenor-front left) with Rae Wear, Richard Moon, June Outteridge, Daveen O’Pray, Jacqui Pritchard, Dennis Lack and Annette Drennan
