Bitou Busters clock 150 volunteer hours in big year for Hawks Nest bushcare

ANOTHER productive year has wrapped up for the dedicated volunteers of Bitou Busters, who continued their weed removal and native planting work throughout 2025 with the support of MidCoast Council and the Myall Koala and Environment Group.

Despite a challenging winter that disrupted several of their eight scheduled Saturday working bees – along with additional “commando” weekday sessions – the group still managed to contribute an impressive 150 hours of volunteer labour, averaging 12 volunteers at each monthly session.

MidCoast Council Community Liaison Officer Steve Howard acknowledged the group’s ongoing efforts, with Council traditionally hosting a volunteer appreciation lunch each May in recognition of their contribution.

The primary focus for 2025 was the restoration of riverbank habitats along Moira Parade.

However, the group’s reach extended across Hawks Nest, beginning the season at The Anchorage before planting eucalyptus species in the koala-significant reserve at Shearwater during May’s Wild Koala Day.

Volunteers also rolled up their sleeves at Bennetts Beach Surf Club and along Jimmys Beach, carrying out important dune stabilisation and restoration work.

When wet weather halted outdoor activities in June, the team turned indoors for a well-attended tool-cleaning and sharpening workshop at Benchmark led by Sharon Taylor.

Throughout the year, Bitou Busters tackled a range of invasive species including Bitou bush, Mother of Millions, Asparagus fern species, Easter Cassia, Lantana, and Cape honeysuckle.

“Their removal efforts are critical in protecting local biodiversity and preventing further spread across coastal and bushland areas,” said spokesperson Adrienne Ingram.

In place of weeds, volunteers planted a diverse selection of native species, including Tuckeroo, Lilly Pilly, Callistemon, Melaleuca, Banksia, Swamp lily (along Jimmys Beach and Moira Parade), Pigface and spinifex for dune stabilisation, and Eucalyptus species at Shearwater.

“These plantings strengthen habitat corridors and support local wildlife, including koalas,” Adrienne said.

The group’s year concluded with a sponsored BBQ, thanks to Kowan at Benchmark and the Myall Koala and Environment Group.

“The final session combined light weeding at the Peter Sinclair end of Moira Parade with a walk along the newly signed Habitat Walk to Bennetts Beach – naturally finishing with coffee at Benchmark,” Adrienne said.

Interest in joining the group has begun to build, with several enquiries coming through the Myall Koala and Environment Group website.

“Bitou Busters welcome volunteers of all abilities – from those keen on heavier physical work to others who prefer lighter duties or support roles.

“The combination of environmental care and social connection continues to benefit both the local landscape and volunteer wellbeing.”

Anyone interested in joining the 2026 program, which recommences in March, is encouraged to email trishablair@bigpond.com.