2009 Media Releases

Your Planet Needs You – Register to Volunteer this World Environment Day

28 May 2009

Bushcarers Anne Coates and Alison Davis
Anne Coates from the Clive Park Bushcare group and Alison Davis, convenor of the Northbridge Golf Course Bushcare group lead the long line of volunteers battling weeds at Bushcare’s Major Day Out in March 2009.

Willoughby City Council is calling on local residents to put up their hands to volunteer in the spirit of World Environment Day, Friday 5 June.

This year’s theme is Your Planet Needs You and Landcare Australia has launched a nation-wide campaign in search of volunteers to support local environmental initiatives that will give our planet a hand.

Everyone who registers will receive a subscription to the new electronic Australian Landcare magazine and will go in the draw to win a Fraser Island holiday.

There are over 6000 volunteer Landcare, Bushcare and Coastcare groups across Australia who need support. Although on-ground help is always needed, there are many other ways to get involved. Landcare and Willoughby City Council are calling for volunteers with a range of skills, including proficiency in a trade, design, administration, fundraising or a relevant area of Landcare expertise.

“Many people don’t realise how much work environmental volunteers actually do around Willoughby. We have 40 Bushcare groups consisting of around 275 dedicated volunteers who work hard to beautify our bushland areas. Our volunteers have a range of skills they bring to their Bushcare groups and can always use extra hands and new skills. I hope our residents will use this Landcare Australia initiative to think about how they can help and what they can offer – even if it’s something small,” said Willoughby Mayor, Pat Reilly.

“It is at a grassroots level where we can begin to tackle huge environmental issues like climate change, salinity, erosion and loss of biodiversity. Real and lasting change always begins with a group, or even one person, saying ‘yes, I can help’ and many people making small changes can be monumental at a national level,” said Landcare Australia CEO, Brian Scarsbrick.

It’s easy to register as a volunteer. Go to www.yourplanetneedsyou.com.au before June 5 to register your skills. After the campaign has concluded, details will be passed on to Willoughby City Council’s Bushcare Coordinator. Those registered may be contacted if any opportunities arise in the future, but are not obligated to participate.  The council that recruits the most people to register at the Your Planet Needs You website will win $5000 to go towards a community environment volunteer event.

For more information phone Willoughby City Council on 9777 1000.


Media Contact
Media and Marketing Group Manager
Phone: 9777 7703
Mobile: 0421 492 757
Email: rebecca.hill@willoughby.nsw.gov.au