What is your animal personality?

We are all a part of the same Animalia Kingdom, Country and Bushcare Community. So which species do you closely share a personality with?

The Social Butterfly

Gang Gang Cockatoos

Do you usually have brunch plans every weekend? Are you the charismatic one in the group? Do you find yourself getting bored easily and require regular stimulation or entertainment. Are you know to have a funky hair do? Well, you might find yourself hanging out with the Gang Gang Cockatoos.

The Shy One

Greater Glider

Do you hate being the centre of attention? Do you prefer a solitary life? a bit of a home body. Do you often find yourself snug and wrapped up in a blanket? Are you a little bit clumsy at times when out in the world? Well say hello to your spirit animal – the Greater Glider

The Fitness Fanatic

Giant Burrowing Frog

Do you consider yourself to be at the top of your fitness game? with a physique emulating power and perseverance, a product of dedication to your routine. Do you often find yourself hanging out at the local pools and waterholes? You may find yourself comparing muscles with the Giant Burrowing Frog.

Fighting Spirit

Spotted-Tail Quoll

Do you stand up for what you believe in? Are you fiercely loyal to those close to you? Do you find yourself getting into heated debates including over parking spots? or taking a bite at someone if they are in the wrong. You may be more similar to the Spotted- Tail Quoll than you think.

BMCC Biodiversity Conservation Community Workshops

Council is currently developing a Biodiversity Conservation Strategy that will help determine how biodiversity is managed in the Local Government Area for the next decade.  As valued organisations in the community, Bushcare and Landcare’s insights and expertise are invaluable to this initiative.  We would like to invite Bushcare and Landcare members to join us in shaping our Biodiversity Conservation Strategy by contributing their thoughts, feedback, and knowledge at one of our FREE Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Community Workshops.  We encourage you to share the Workshop details with the Bushcare and Landcare networks.

Workshop Details:

Online Workshop via Zoom – Friday, 3 November – 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

In-Person Workshop – Saturday, 4 November – 10:30 am – 1:00 pm – Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub – Springwood.

Complimentary light finger food will be provided.  Please bring a keep cup or reusable cup for beverages and inform us of any dietary restrictions when registering.  If attendees are involved in biodiversity conservation programs, they are welcome to bring flyers for promotional purposes.

Attendees need to register their attendance for either the ONLINE workshop or the IN-PERSON workshop as spots are limited.

Additionally, we will have an “open mic” segment at both Workshops to allow community members to shine a spotlight on biodiversity conservation initiatives.

The Biodiversity Conservation Strategy is designed to encapsulate our commitment to reducing biodiversity decline and maintaining biodiversity within our region.  As we document our vision for the next decade, we are looking to establish clear objectives and methodologies for managing invasive species, habitat restoration and facilitating the recovery of threatened species.  The cornerstone of our Strategy’s success is collaboration.  We envision a symbiotic partnership between Council, residents, industry, local and regional organisations, experts, and most significantly, our Traditional Custodians, whose unique and profound relationship with the land has so much to offer us in knowledge and wisdom.  Our collective aim is to understand our current position in 2024, envisage our aspirations for 2034 and chart a pro-active course to that future.  Although we are building upon a legacy of significant achievements, this strategy is a pivotal evolution in our community-driven approach to biodiversity conservation.

Workshop Objectives:

•      To discern and address potential gaps in the Strategy.

•      To ensure the Strategy is comprehensive, touching upon every facet of biodiversity conservation.

•      To share new information on biodiversity conservation in the Blue Mountains with the community and delineate the roles both the Council and residents can play.

These Workshops will give you the opportunity to:

•      Have your say on biodiversity conservation in the Blue Mountains.

•      Discover new measures to protect plants and animals in our region.

•      Gain insights into our unique biodiversity.

•      Learn about the Council’s initiatives for biodiversity protection.

•      Contribute to the 10-year conservation blueprint for the Blue Mountains.

•      Hear from experts in the realm of plant and animal conservation.

Your attendance and participation will greatly enhance the diversity and depth of insights in the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy.

Please join us as we come together, combine our wisdom and craft a vision for a sustainable and biodiverse future.  Your voice and opinions are important and we look forward to your contribution.

Blackheath Duck Pond Planting Event

A series of community planting days are being held for the refreshed duck pond at Blackheath Soldiers Memorial Park.

Come along and be apart of the story as we revegetate and plant out the final fern-ishings of this space.

No RSVP is necessary, just your passion for planting

WHEN

Friday 27 October 1:00pm-4:00pm

Sunday 29 October – 9:00am-12:00pm

WHO

At the site is still a work site, attendance is limited to responsible adults.

WHERE

Meet near the ANZAC gates on Prince Edward Street

You will need to be signed into the work site.

WHAT TO BRING

Tools, gloves and refreshments will be provided. 

Please attend in appropriate workwear including hat.

If you have a tree fern that needs a new home, please bring it along.

Spring 2023 Gecko Newsletter Release

Hot off the press is the newest issue of the Bushcare Gecko Newsletter. Best read with a warm cuppa.

In this issue:

  • Welcome or Acknowledgement – What’s the difference
  • Blue Mountains City Council’s First Nation Team is Growing
  • Bushcare Picnic special edition
  • Keeping Cats Safe at Home
  • Wombats in Blackheath
  • Swampcare: When we care for Ngurra, Ngurra cares for us
  • Commonly Seen Mountain Ants Part 2
  • Vale Kieran Hitchell
  • What’s on!

Download the Gecko here!

The Australian Earth Laws Alliance (AELA) is hosting ‘Earth Laws Month’ again this September!

During the month of September AELA have organised a range of webinars, workshops and public lectures – all online, and all awesome!

Topics include law, economics, Indigenous knowledge and practice, education, deep ecology, science and much more.

Here is a taste of some of the events listed however much much more can be found at their events page – AELA’s Earth Laws Month – 2023 | Humanitix

More information on AELA can be found at www.earthlaws.org.au

Bushcare Bake Off

The valley was awash with cakes of all shapes and sizes last weekend. I would like to thank all the volunteers who took part and the squid who judged the competition so eloquently with his thoughtful words. The team would like to thank everyone for coming and we hope you enjoyed the day.

Here is some of the entries for the day.

Wombat Surprise by Fiona and John