FAQs

How do I join a group?

• Visit our group pages to find a local group.
• Contact the group coordinator and come along to a working bee.
• If you’d like to join regularly, the coordinator will ask for your details to register you with Landcare Illawarra.

You can attend as many working bees as you like and join more than one group.
Most groups work on public land; some operate on private properties.

In Wollongong or Shellharbour?
Bushcare groups working on council land are run by local councils:

• Wollongong Bushcare
• Shellharbour Bushcare

What’s the difference between Landcare and Bushcare?

When it comes to the work on the ground — planting, weeding, and restoring local environments — Landcare and Bushcare are essentially the same. Both involve hands-on environmental restoration led by passionate local volunteers.

The main difference lies in how the groups are supported:

• Bushcare groups in the Wollongong and Shellharbour council areas work on public land and are supported by their local council. This support includes tools, training, and insurance.

• Landcare groups operate independently of council Bushcare programs. They can work on both public and private land and are supported through Landcare networks like Landcare Illawarra.

In the Kiama area, there is currently no council-run Bushcare program — so all volunteer environmental work there falls under Landcare.

Do I need training?

No training is required—just enthusiasm!
The group coordinator will go over safety info and you’ll learn by doing.

What to bring:

• Long pants and sleeves
• Covered shoes
• Hat and gloves
• A water bottle

How much does it cost?

Volunteering with a Landcare group is completely free.

How much time do I need to commit?

Any amount of time helps—whether it’s 15 minutes or 5 hours!

• Most groups meet monthly for 2–3 hours (including a morning tea!)
• Some groups meet more often
• There’s no obligation to attend every session
• You can join more than one group

As a member, you’ll also be invited to special events and workshops.

Am I covered by insurance at events?

Yes, as long as you sign in at each event with:

• Your name
• Contact details
• An emergency contact

Sign-in sheets are provided at all working bees and events.

Where can I learn about local native plants?

Start with the Growing Illawarra Natives website.
You can search by plant name or collection type (e.g. prime shade-lovers).

I have physical limitations. Can I still get involved?

Yes. Many tasks can be adapted to suit your abilities.
Talk to your group coordinator about what you can do—there’s often a role for everyone.

Can students do work experience or Duke of Ed?

Yes, if they are:

• Aged 16 or older
• Accompanied by a responsible adult

Please contact our coordinator first.

Can people on the NDIS get involved?

Possibly. Opportunities are assessed case-by-case.
Contact our coordinator to discuss. Most groups meet on weekends.

How can young people get more involved?

Check out Illawarra Intrepid Landcare, for ages 17–35.
They run fun, social Landcare projects and partner with other groups. Follow their Facebook page for event updates.

Do I need to be a member to attend events?

Most of our events are free and open to the public.
Some specialised workshops are for members only—this will be clearly stated on our website.

I can’t volunteer but want to help. Can I donate?

Yes! But we can only take tax-deductible donations through Landcare NSW.
This document outlines the steps.
You can support a specific project or make a general donation—anonymous gifts are welcome too.

Can I donate native plants?

Maybe. We only accept plants if:

• The provenance (origin) is known and local
• They’re from local remnant vegetation, not commercial nurseries

We mostly plant coastal and rainforest species—not many eucalypts.
If you’re unsure, get in touch.

The creek behind my house is overgrown. Can you help?

Start by contacting your local council.
They are responsible for waterways and can log a maintenance request.

If you’re interested in caring for the area long-term, consider starting a Landcare group—talk to us! You’ll need permission from the landowner (usually Council).

Does Landcare Illawarra have its own nursery?

No. We work with a network of trusted local nurseries that grow plants for our projects and activities. If you’d like to volunteer with one of these nurseries, as listed below, let us know.

Where can I buy local native plants?

We work with a network of trusted local nurseries. Some are open to the public.
See our nursery resources here.

How do I plan Lantana removal?

Lantana removal requires care and planning:

• Don’t clear large areas all at once—it may be providing habitat.
• Use a mosaic approach—clear patches gradually, especially after spring.
• Avoid exposing bare ground. Weed, mulch or revegetate.
• Plant fast-growing native trees and groundcover to shade out regrowth.
• Always get permission from the landowner or land manager.

How do I remove Lantana?

The goal is to kill the plant at its base:

• Manual: Cut and roll downhill if on a slope (avoid creeks).
• Mechanical: Pull small plants out—but be careful of erosion.
• Chemical: Cut at the base and apply glyphosate to the stumps.

Cut branches can be left in place or used as mulch.
You can also hire a local bush regeneration company to assist.

Can you recommend bush regeneration contractors?

Yes. Contact us and we’ll refer you to trusted local professionals.

Stay up to date

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📘 Facebook: @landcareillawarra
📸 Instagram: @landcareill