2001 – Present
Raymond Terrace Parks Reserves and Tidy Towns was established as a Port Stephens Council (PSC) 355c Committee in 2001 to look after the development of the local parks and bushland areas surrounding Raymond Terrace. Our primary landcare sites are Boomerang Park and Windeyers Creek
The focus of activities conducted by the group in Boomerang Park includes the removal of lantana, camphor laurel management, bush regeneration and creating habitat for local fauna. Our Forward Works Plan for the Windeyers Creek activities focuses on producing a wildlife corridor. The group will achieve this by having routine working bees on a monthly basis.
We have received many recognitions for our efforts: 1 – PSC Volunteer Recognition Award for Environmental Recognition. 2 – PSC Outstanding Contribution to the Community and Environment of Port Stephens. 3 – Newcastle Environmental Achievement Award. 4 – Hunter Region Landcare Network Award of Excellence. 5 – Keep Australia Beautiful NSW Tidy Towns Award ‘Windeyers Creek Litter Prevention’. We have received many other awards over the years in partnership with other groups through the Keep Australia Beautiful Awards.
Big Wins
Cleared lantana and camphor laurel from Boomerang Park. Provided wildlife habitat. Kept park free from rubbish dumping.
Lessons
Getting enough volunteers can be challenging. Working in partnerships can be difficult at times.
When we formed in 2001, with Jennifer Midgley as our first chairperson, we worked with PSC on removing graffiti and ensuring local parks and habitats were kept clean by removing rubbish. In 2018 we hosted a workshop ‘Creating Wildlife Habitat’ in Boomerang Park, that was well attended by members of other groups as well as representatives of local and state government.
Our Landcare group is active with eight committee members. Our chairperson David Davies has been a long serving member of the group for over fifteen years, serving as chair for much of that time.
Our biggest challenges are attracting volunteers, time management and convincing Council and government of the importance of our work.
