Volunteer environmental groups
There are a number of volunteer groups that support the conservation and care for the wide range of wildlife throughout the Tweed.
Friends of the Koala
Friends of the Koala is the peak community koala conservation organisation in the Northern Rivers Region.
Established in 1986, they are an entirely voluntary group making a key contribution to Australia's biodiversity by ensuring the protection and conservation of the iconic koala and the preservation and extension of koala habitat.
Their core business encompasses habitat protection and regeneration; licensed koala rescue, rehabilitation and release; community education; advocacy and research assistance. Friends of the Koala also maintain a regional Koala Care and Education Centre in East Lismore.
Call the 24 hour koala rescue hotline on 02 6622 1233 or visit their website, friendsofthekoala.org
Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers
A volunteer organisation that provide care and rehabilitation for native animals.
They also provide advice on what to do if you find an orphaned, injured or displaced native animal.
Call the 24 hour wildlife hotline on 02 6672 4789 or visit their website, tvwc.org.au
BirdLife Northern Rivers
An enthusiastic group of bird watchers, twitchers, amateur ornithologists, and sociable folk with an appreciation for the natural world, who meet (informally) twice a month. Outings are held on the second Sunday of the month, starting at 7:30 am local time.
Visitors are welcome to join in. Please contact them on the Tuesday prior if you'd like to come along.
Call Linda Brannian on 0409 833 888 or visit their website, tweedbirdobservers.wordpress.com
Tweed Coastcare and Dunecare
Tweed Coastcare is community volunteers caring for their coast. Coastcare volunteers identify local environmental problems and work together to achieve practical solutions.
Coastcare and Dunecare groups tackle problems including dune erosion, loss of native plants and animals, storm water pollution, weeds and control of human access to sensitive areas.
The Coastcare program provides opportunities for governments, community, business and interest groups to become actively involved in on ground works to protect and manage our coastal and marine environments.
The following groups are active in the Tweed.
Tweed Landcare
Tweed Landcare supports people caring for the Tweed's unique environment and natural resources through practical community projects.
Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 6 pm at the Murwillumbah Services Club 10 Wollumbin Street, Murwillumbah New South Wales 2484. Contact them on 02 6672 1388
These are an opportunity to keep up to date with TLI activities, hear interesting guest speakers and share your views. Please feel welcome to attend. We hold Landcare displays at community events, workshops and field days, contribute articles to local media and promote awareness of biodiversity.
Phone: 02 6670 2199
Email: tli@tweedlandcare.org.au
Website: tweedlandcare.org.au
Community Gardens
Community gardening is a valuable recreational activity that contributes to the connectedness, health and wellbeing of the community and provides a range of environmental, social and educational benefits.
Community gardens provide a place for local residents to meet and talk, grow local food, share gardening tips, volunteer together to keep the gardens tidy and productive, or 'grow their own' in individual plots.
Several community groups have established community gardens throughout the Tweed.
Volunteer resources
Council recognises the effort put in by community volunteer groups, including Landcare and Dunecare, in the Tweed.
The Care Group Procedures Manual 2014(PDF, 319KB) was developed to guide volunteer groups engaged in environmental restoration activities on Council land to work together effectively and safely. It details procedures to be followed by Care groups working in partnership with Council. It aims to facilitate effective and safe implementation of restoration works.
The guide includes copies of forms to be used by Care groups in the course of their activities. It provides guidance on safe work practices and strategies to minimise risks.
The manual also provides some introductory information about the process of starting a new environmental care group. The Tweed Landcare Coordinator at landcarecoordinator@tweedlandcare.org.au can assist with guiding the formation of a new Dunecare or Landcare group.
A New Group Starter Kit is available or from the Community Support Officer.
Financial support
Council provides financial support and incentive programs for eligible projects run by community groups.
For further information please see Community grants and sponsorship.