Aboriginal volunteers tackle the weeds at Shaws Farm

29 July 2009, 12:10pm

Bushcare volunteers roll up their sleeves and tackle the weeds at Shaws Farm

The Yellomundee Aboriginal Bushcare group had their first meeting at Shaw's Farm in Yellomundee Regional Park recently and are inviting other Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community members to join in the work.

The group's main aim is to value add to the work of a bush regeneration team recently employed with funding through the NSW Environmental Trust to control weeds and restore bushland at Shaws Farm.

Rebecca Mooy, Landcare Support Officer with the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Authority reported that the first meeting was a great success with many local Aboriginal families in attendance.

The day commenced with a smoking ceremony, followed by training of the volunteers in weed removal techniques, Aboriginal painting and a display by wildlife expert Anthony Stimpson of a range of Australian animals including lizards, birds, frogs and mammals.

"We were pleased to have so many participants. The smoking ceremony was a great start to the day and is the first of many cultural awareness activities that the group will participate in," said Vickii Lett from Richmond National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The Yellomundee Regional Park is a significant place for the Aboriginal people. Over 50 years of scientific research in the area has shown that Aboriginal connections have existed for thousands of generations and that all parts of the landscape have meaning.

"The Yellomundee Aboriginal Bushcare group will concerntrate on restoring the native vegetation and habitat values around Shaws Farm by controlling weeds including African Love grass, Lantana, Mother of Millions, Ballon vine, Prickley Pear, Wild Tabacco and Cats Claw Creeper." said Paul Glass, Ranger for Yellomundee Regional Park.

Vickii Lett from NPWS Richmond said, "The Bushcare group is open to anyone with an interest in helping our local bushland. The Bushcare group will meet monthly on the third Sunday of each month."

The next meeting the of the Yellomundee Aboriginal Bushcare group is this Sunday 19^th July from 10am till 2pm at Shaws Farm in Yellomundee Regional Park off Springwood Road. All are welcome to volunteer and a BBQ will be supplied. Volunteers are asked to wear suitable clothing for working in the bush, bring a bottle of water, a coffee mug and a fold up chair.

For more information contact Paul Glass or Vickii Lett from NPWS on 4588 2400.