Two new Landcare groups will launch in Kiama region in early 2026.
Landcare Illawarra is pleased to announce the formation of two new community-led Landcare groups, launching in early 2026 at Loves Bay on the coast and Jerrara Dam Reserve inland from Kiama.
Landcare is a community-based, volunteer-led movement, with new groups formed by local residents who want to work together to care for their environment. Projects may take place on private land or public reserves and are driven by local priorities and local knowledge.
Within the Kiama Local Government Area there are already four Landcare groups working on private land and seven on Council reserves. These groups are formed by people who want to improve their immediate surroundings and make a positive contribution to their community.
Loves Bay Landcare
The new Loves Bay Landcare group was initiated by Alan Woodward, a Kiama Heights local who lives near Loves Bay, the popular starting point of the final stage of the Kiama Coast Walk. Alan approached Landcare Illawarra in late 2025 after recognising the opportunity to improve the ecological health of the area for the benefit of both nature and the community.
“Loves Bay is a beautiful place, but it could be better with the regeneration of vegetation and the environment around the creek that flows into the bay. Already there are remnants of the rainforest that once covered the local area, with plants, seeds and water-life that could thrive through the removal of weeds and native plantings. This Landcare project will restore a truly unique coastal place for the future.”
The first meeting of Loves Bay Landcare will be held on Saturday 28 February 2026. More information
Jerrara Rainforest & Wetlands Landcare
Jerrara Dam Reserve is a 54-hectare site surrounded by farmland, located inland from the coast. Ros Neilson, who lives in Jamberoo, is passionate about the reserve’s value as an important parcel of community land. She hopes the formation of a Landcare group will support continued public engagement with the area, which is already well-used by birdwatchers, wildlife carers and walkers.
“This new group will focus on small, practical actions to support the regeneration of rainforest and wetlands in the face of ongoing weed pressure. The site contains valuable and endangered remnant rainforest species, and what was once Jerrara Dam has naturally evolved into a wetland that provides important habitat for migratory birds and other native fauna.”
The group’s first working bee was held on Thursday 5 February 2026, with a follow-up working bee planned for Sunday 22 February 2026. More information
Community welcome
All community members are welcome to attend working bees at both sites, and no previous experience is required.
For any inquiries, please contact:
Meredith Hall
Local Landcare Coordinator, Landcare Illawarra
coordinator@landcareillawarra.org.au
0429 027 770
The site at Loves Bay, and some of the weeds!
The first working bee at Jerrara on 5 March.
