Since the devastating Orroral Valley bushfire in January/February this year which burnt through over 80% of Namadgi National Park and 20% of Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Southern ACT Catchment Group has been working to bring together community for the recovery of these special places. Over 500 people signed up on the SACTCG Register of Interest for volunteering in Namadgi Recovery- which demonstrated just how passionate the Canberra community was to get to work to restore and protect their local National Park. Through the COVID19 lockdown in Canberra, a community-led fundraiser was run – Walk for Namadgi- which raised over $7000 for organising volunteer bushfire recovery activities. SACTCG has more recently secured grant funding from Landcare ACT and Landcare Australia to run working bees in the National Park alongside ACT parks and conservation rangers.
Last Sunday 27th September, Southern ACT Catchment Group ran the first of many working parties at Namadgi National Park with funding from Landcare ACT and Landcare Australia. We had to keep numbers small for this one- but had 20 amazing volunteers come out to do some weeding and planting around the Visitors Centre. The group achieved more than expected and had a wonderful time getting out and making a difference. We will be running more working parties further into the National Park throughout the rest of the year and beyond. If you would like to join the mailling list- fill out this form- and keep an eye on your emails as events fill out fast.
Thanks to Jane Ryan from Landcare ACT for all the great photos!