Volunteer-driven Odenpa Bushcare group is on a mission to rehabilitate natural habitats in Cordeaux Heights and their dedication has attracted plenty of community praise.

The group has received official praise too – namely the Community Spirit Award at Wollongong City Council's 2023 Environment Volunteer Awards in recognition of their ongoing determined efforts to restore areas that have been overrun by invasive weeds.

“We have a number of small areas around Cordeaux Heights and you can really see the difference,” said Odenpa volunteer Gary Hickson.

“Cordeaux has a lot of pathways, they're very visible to the local community and they always walk past and say what a good job we are doing.”

Odenpa Bushcare members meet for two hours every Tuesday, minimising any impact on volunteers' time but maximising results.

“I like it because it’s really regular, a lot of bushcare groups just meet occasionally, whereas for this one it’s a regular thing, so you can actually put it into your schedule,” said Alison Booth, an Odenpa volunteer.

For these volunteers, rewards come in various forms, including the satisfaction of connecting with the soil.

“I just like the involvement with the ground to start and I’m quite happy weeding, I like removing the small annoying stuff because then that helps the natural stuff start growing,” Alison said.

The group enjoys regular catch-ups outside of their volunteer-work hours, meeting for a coffee at their local Cordeaux Heights cafe or to eat pizza at Fernando's.

“I've made a lot of new friends and people around the neighbourhood through this group,” Gary said.

“Even though some people leave, we're still friends with them and we still catch up every now and again for coffee.

“I now count them as friends.”

In December, Wollongong City Council recognised their efforts at the 2023 Environment Volunteer Awards.

“It's always nice to get a thank you and some recognition,” Gary said of receiving the Community Spirit Award.

“We don't do it for that but when it happens, it's good.”

Odenpa stresses the importance of taking environmental preservation more seriously due to Australia's unique ecosystem, particularly through activities like Bushcare.

“When you think about the continent, Australian plants are quite specific to this continent and are not found anywhere else,” said Odenpa volunteer Nick Nelson.

“I think we need to treasure the fact that we have such a unique natural ecosystem.”

The group believes residents should learn about plants in their gardens, so they can look out for invasive flora such as asparagus weed.

“I think there needs to be education of people about what they put in their front gardens,” Gary said.

“Most of the weeds that we call weeds are actually houseplants that have escaped and they do create havoc.”

Odenpa Bushcare is a great opportunity for retirees looking for meaningful roles.

“Once I retired I was looking for a way to give back to the community, so I went to a volunteer expo and I met Nick, but that’s how I got involved,” said Odenpa volunteer Peter McNevin.

“I came along here when I was 59 and 10 years later I’m still here.”

The roles aren't only for retirees. The chance to volunteer just a few hours a week also appeals to individuals like Luke Kenshole, a university student.

“Often than not, we have young people that join us,” Alison said.

“So to have younger people join us is really a highlight of the group.”

For more information on Odenpa Bushcare and other groups, visit the City of Wollongong’s Bushcare Groups page