The Ross Creek Landcare Group (the Group) is one of Golden Plains Shire’s many impactful volunteer groups who continually make a difference to the local community.
Formed in 1997, the Group has long focused on the wellbeing of the local environment and since 2000, has led several programs including revegetation of the then weed-infested eastern end of the Ross Creek Recreation Reserve, promotion of native tree planting to local landowners and water salinity testing.
The Group consists of up to six volunteers who meet monthly throughout the year to plan for conservation projects. Each volunteer, including the President, Treasurer and Secretary of the group employ practical field experience and knowledge that is crucial to the success of the group and its programs.
The Group share their understanding of the local environment with each other and seek to engender that understanding within the local community, with the aim of involving the younger generation in environmental work. They’ve made use of promotional opportunities like the Ross Creek Car Boot Sale, the Smythesdale Country Market, general election polling days and community consultations and educational opportunities.
Ross Creek Landcare Group Secretary David Neate says that volunteering builds community connections and gives a special sense of belonging.
“Earlier this year as a community we celebrated the life of Rosemary Barnett, who had been a local Community Coordinator, and a stalwart and onetime secretary/treasurer of the Landcare Group. It was the large gathering of people at that celebration that spoke to me of the radiating power of selfless giving, like Rosemary’s, to touch so many lives and to create a common good,” David said.
“For many years, in spite of her battles with cancer, Rosemary would be alongside us, working with characteristic determination at working bees. If ever I felt tired, despondent, or as though I’d had enough of the slog in the field, Rosemary’s example was the prod to keep me going.”
David encourages people to join in with their local volunteer groups and work towards making a positive difference.
“Come along to an event that piques your interest. People in any volunteer group will be open to newcomers, David said.
“Find out what the group does, what you can learn from it and what skills you can bring to it. Landcare is a hands-on group, and you develop skills and knowledge to help you make your own place a special environment,” he said.
If you would like to find out more information about the Ross Creek Landcare Group, you can find them on Facebook here.
Golden Plains Shire Council invites local community groups to register their information on our Online Community Directory, enabling them to independently manage their own listings and update them as needed.
Residents and visitors can utilise the Directory to easily find contact information and obtain detailed information about community groups and service providers that align with their interests.
You can view the Online Community Directory here.