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The 26th annual Bridges to Boorowa planting weekend proved once again that community, collaboration and care for the land can cross great distances—literally and figuratively.
While the event has evolved into a strong rural–urban collaboration, its origin is thanks to a holiday stopover and a conversation about Superb Parrots. Bushcare volunteer Ross McLelland was intrigued by the Boorowa community’s efforts to support local biodiversity and offered help from North Sydney’s volunteer network.
How It All Began: A Superb Parrot and a Phone Call
“Some years ago, I stayed at a B&B near Cowra. The owner was from Boorowa and said, ‘Why don’t you visit Boorowa? We’re trying to protect the Superb Parrot.’ I was curious. After visiting, I thought—maybe we can help. I called the Mayor of Boorowa and offered volunteers from North Sydney. He said, ‘Wow! We could use them!’”
— Ross McLelland, North Sydney Bushcare Volunteer
From that spark, and with the determination of North Sydney’s Bushland Management team at the time (Penny Barker, Brenda Madden, and Mick Kelso), the Bridges to Boorowa journey began. The first volunteer bus rolled out in 2000—and thanks to decades of support from volunteers, Council staff, and the Boorowa community, it’s a journey that continues to grow.
For over two decades, North Sydney Council’s Bushcare volunteers have made the journey across the Great Dividing Range to plant native species on the properties of local Boorowa landholders—fostering not just seedlings, but long-standing friendships and shared purpose.
This year, more than 35 volunteers made the trek by bus, supported by North Sydney Council. Among them was a surprise guest who brought his trademark energy and passion—Costa Georgiadis. With the enthusiasm of a ‘school kid heading on camp’, Costa jumped aboard in Sydney and immersed himself in the Landcare community for the full three days of planting.
Despite the drier-than-usual season making some landholders hesitant to participate this year, four properties still hosted the planting crews, and over 2,500 native plants were successfully planted across carefully prepared sites. Many of these plants were locally grown and some in Landcare nurseries, ensuring their suitability to the conditions and giving the project deeper roots in the region—both literally and metaphorically.
Volunteers were hands-on, working side by side with landholders, learning about different species and how their placement in the landscape—by creeks, along fence lines, or on hill slopes—affects their growth and purpose. Returning to a site planted years earlier, volunteers were able to see the thriving results of their earlier efforts, and they were inspired by a visit to nearby Red Hill Reserve, where many familiar species were found.
The weekend wasn’t just about planting—it was about connection. The Boorowa Lions Club welcomed volunteers with a hearty Saturday lunch, and the day ended with a community dinner hosted by Hilltops Council and Boorowa Community Landcare Group. The dinner brought together representatives from multiple levels of government and community, including MP for Cootamundra Steph Cooke, Hilltops Mayor Brian Ingram, and North Sydney Mayor Zoë Baker, along with councillors from both regions and Council staff. It was a relaxed, vibrant evening filled with stories of the land, the volunteers, and the enduring partnerships that have flourished through Landcare.
MP Steph Cooke reflected on the dry conditions affecting the region, noting that some areas are in a state of crisis. She acknowledged the invaluable boost in morale that the volunteers brought simply by showing up—by being present and getting their hands dirty.
Costa, ever the connector and communicator, wove his magic through the weekend. Whether planting alongside volunteers, chatting with children playing a light-hearted game of “pinch Costa’s hat,” or hopping off the bus mid-trip to fulfil media commitments in dodgy mobile service, he remained fully present—highlighting not only the event but the broader story of resilience and regeneration in Boorowa.
Long-time participants like Mick Kelso —part of the original ‘OG crew’— have been there from the start, first as staff and then returning year after year as a volunteer, driven by the satisfaction of making a tangible difference. Newer volunteers echo that same sentiment, covering most of their own costs to take part in a weekend that is as much about purpose as it is about planting.
For landholders, the impact runs deep. Linda Cavanagh, who has been involved with Bridges to Boorowa for a decade, said this year’s experience was particularly moving. “I turned around and saw all the little white tree guards popping up on the hill. It was beautiful. I’ll always remember this day when I look at those plants and watch them grow over the years.”
From the young volunteers enthusiastically getting their hands dirty to the more seasoned planters who have watched the program evolve, the weekend left a lasting impression. It was a physically demanding few days, but hearts were full—proof that when communities come together with a shared vision, they really can plant the seeds of a greener future.
For more information about Bridges to Boorowa or anything else happening at Boorowa Community Landcare Group contact Amber [email protected]
Written with Amber Kelly for South East Landcare by Sarah McGrath as a part of the Landcare Enabling Program.
Photos and smiles courtesy of the Bridges to Boorowa planting weekend
