Living in the Area » How to become a Bushcare Volunteer   The community has an important role in protecting and rehabilitating bushland. The Bushcare program is a partnership between Lane Cove Council and the community to regenerate and manage publicly owned bushland for the long-term. Currently, there are approximately 100 local residents volunteering their time to work in bushland reserves. Council co-ordinates the program, provides tools, supervision of work and training whilst people from the community volunteer their labour. Bushcare is a great opportunity to get outdoors, work in the bushland near your home, learn about the local environment, meet new people and gain new skills. You can get involved in Bushcare by regularly contributing a small amount of money or time. Bushcare work days Once a fortnight or once a month, residents from different parts of the municipality join together for up to 3 hours at a time to do the rewarding work of bush regeneration. With the contribution of Bushcare volunteers, areas that have been struggling under weed infestation are being transformed into healthy bushland ecosystems. Council provides Bushcare volunteers with: on site technical advice and training in bush regeneration training workshops tools and gloves insurance for volunteers aged between 15-90 years a quarterly newsletter The Golden Whistler an end of year party to acknowledge the achievements of the volunteers. Bushcare groups operate to a specific work plan for each site. This plan is developed by staff and volunteers in accordance with Council’s overall objectives for bushland management. Residents aged between 15 and 90 may join Bushcare. For more information and to join, phone the Bushcare Co-ordinator on 9911 3579. Voluntary Contributions to Bushcare Council sends a letter with each quarterly rates notice inviting residents to participate in the Voluntary Contributions scheme. A financial contribution (e.g. $10 per quarter or a one off donation of $40 per year) can be made to a special fund that will assist Bushcare activities. The contributed funds are spent on training for volunteers, establishing new Bushcare groups, purchasing tools, promoting environmental awareness particularly among children and producing publications to promote the values of bushland. Contributions can be made in person at the Civic Centre Reception Counter or by posting a cheque for Lane Cove Council, marked "Voluntary Contributions to Bushcare".