On Saturday 7 November, Katoomba Christian Convention launched a Landcare Group for looking after its 26 acre site. Fourteen hearty volunteers worked hard over a full day of guided bush regeneration.

‘It was a tremendous day’s effort and we’re looking forward to continued momentum into the future,’ said Operations Manager Shelley Taylor.

Gundungurra Traditional Custodian David King provided a Welcome to Country, sharing stories of the area where his mother, the late Mary King, grew up. David also gave the volunteer group an introduction to identifying Aboriginal artefacts. The late Mary King had been looking forward to attending the day, that David King and Elly Chatfield attended in her honour.

Bushcarer Jenny Schabel, a professional in natural resource management who works with Greater Sydney Local Land Services, volunteered her time to lead the day. Jenny has been a long term supporter of Katoomba Christian Convention and having chats with Operations Manager Shelley Taylor led to the launch of the new group.

On the day, during the morning tea and lunch provided, a devotion was shared that involved discussing how Christians need to care for and look after the natural environment as God intended. The day was supported by Blue Mountains City Council with Community Weeds Officer Linda Thomas providing much needed tools on loan for the volunteers to use.

Since it started way back in 1903, Katoomba Christian Convention has benefited greatly from volunteer support. Positioned just across the road from Scenic World, right on the doorstep of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Katoomba Christian Convention has beautiful ridgetop bushland. A big chunk of the bush regeneration day involved removing the weeds tutsan, honeysuckle, broom and blackberry along a creek line that feeds a federally significant hanging swamp on the property.

Operations Manager Shelley Taylor explained that ‘our vision is to further develop the site to be an eco-tourist destination for attracting groups and conferences to the area’. With four self contained conference centres nestled in bushland, Katoomba Christian Convention accommodates groups ranging from 5 to 540 people, and can seat over 2000 people in its large auditorium.

From left to right: Jenny Schabel, Alex Mackenzie, Helen Kryger, John Adamson, Elly Chatfield, Tony Kryger, Kim Greenwood, Ralph Grose, Robert Hegedus, David King, Jenny Adamson, Shelley Taylor. KCC Neighbour Alan Owen missed the photo, but put in a big day of work also.

David King talking about artifacts in the area