On October 26, Landcare Illawarra will celebrate 25 years of commitment to the natural environment in Kiama, Shellharbour, and Wollongong. The celebration will take place at Curry’s Mountain Estate in Rose Valley and will feature a guided walk, plant displays, a photo exhibition, presentations, a BBQ, live music, and dancing.

Landcare Illawarra is a community-based organisation primarily composed of volunteers committed to restoring the natural environment in our local area.

Ailee Calderbank, vice chair of the Landcare Illawarra committee and a member for 22 years, highlighted the significant achievements at Bombo Headland as a great example of the work they do.

“The Bombo Headland group has done incredible work over the years. Every year, Kiama Council and Kiama High School collaborate to plant trees there, and Bombo has greatly benefited from that,” says Calderbank.

Calderbank expressed her gratitude for her long-standing involvement with the group, describing it as a rewarding experience.

“I've met sensational people. It really is a lovely organisation to get involved with. We have groups everywhere, and anyone can participate. Every weekend, if you wanted to, you could go out and volunteer with a group in a beautiful place and help restore the natural area,” she says.

She emphasised the importance of community engagement with the environment, noting that our natural surroundings are essential to our well-being.

“It’s the home of insects, birds, and wildlife that are fast disappearing. Aside from the aesthetic benefits of greenery, these ecosystems process oxygen, stabilise the landscape, and reduce weed invasion, which is a significant issue right now,” Calderbank explains.

“For me, it's always about habitat. If we don't look after it, we'll lose it, and it will just be a memory. I want younger generations to appreciate these wonderful plants, woodlands, and rainforests, and be able to walk through them and truly feel connected to nature, not just a park.”

“Parks are great, but there's so much to discover in a rainforest. The fungi, orchids, birds, and spiders—there’s endless beauty to explore, and it’s even more rewarding when you have a little knowledge of what you’re seeing,” she adds.

If you have been involved with Landcare over the past 25 years—whether as a volunteer, committee member, landholder, friend, or partner—you are invited to RSVP for the anniversary celebration which goes from 4pm-10pm.

Landcare Illawarra is always seeking more volunteers. Opportunities range from physical tasks to simple administrative work. To get involved, contact them at [email protected].