Making Bayside greener: Eco-activities the community can get behind

The Environment and Resilience unit of the Council partner with local community groups to deliver a wide array of eco-friendly activities.

Explore the many ways you can help protect and preserve Bayside's environment while having a bit of fun and meeting new people.

Bushcare program

Local bushcare volunteers gather weekly to protect and restore bushland, wetlands and beachfront areas in Bayside. Volunteers get down and dirty with weed removal, native species planting, mulching, fauna surveys, and seed collection. Everyone is welcome, and no experience is needed.

Locations include:

• Lambert Road Reserve, Bardwell Park

• Hawthorne Street Natural Area, Ramsgate

• Binnamittalong Gardens, Bexley

• Sir Joseph Banks Park, Botany

• Kyeemagh Boat Ramp Reserve

• Stotts Reserve, Bexley North

Council can even facilitate team building days if your business or workplace wants to get involved.

To learn more or register for an upcoming work day, visit the council website.

Native beehive program

Native bees play a crucial role in our environment, pollinating native plants and providing food for other native animals. But sadly, our bee population is struggling.

Bayside residents can make a difference by hosting a hive of native Tetragonula carbonaria bees, provided by the Council, in their backyard. Hives are compact (roughly the size of a shoebox) and require minimal maintenance once placed in a suitable location.

Currently, 98 beehives are hosted by local residents. If you're keen to host one at your place, enquire on the council website here. Be aware, there's a bit of a waiting list.

The Bower Repair and Reuse Centre

The Bower is a fantastic charity that rescues household items for reuse and resale.

They offer hands-on courses on DIY, woodworking, upholstery, furniture repairs, bike maintenance, and clothing repairs. Many refurbished items are sold back to the community at affordable prices or donated to those in need.

Bayside residents can request a free collection from Bower for household items suitable for repair and rehoming.

Cooks River Clean Up

Every year, the Council joins forces with the Cooks River Alliance and River Canoe Club for the Paddle against Plastics. Volunteers on land and water collect plastics and rubbish from what has been called the “sickest urban river in Australia”.

Thanks to these events, the river is improving. The next one is on Sunday 7 May from 8AM-2PM, starting at Mackey Park, Marrickville. For more details and to register, click here.

National Tree Day

Bayside Council partners with Planet Ark for National Tree Day, set for Sunday 30 July this year. Planting native trees enhances biodiversity, ecological sustainability, and provides additional wildlife habitat in parks.

Schools can register with Planet Ark for the event. Once registered, schools can contact the Council to receive a voucher (valued up to $150) for native plants from Bayside Garden Centre.

Trees for Mum event

Trees for Mum 2023 will take place at both the Rhodes Street and Grace Campbell Reserves, Hillsdale, between 10AM-2PM on Saturday, 13 May 2023. Over 160 trees were planted last year.

Click here to register a tree for your Mum. Only a limited number of trees are available. Registrations close at 5PM on Friday, 28 April, or when all trees have been allocated.

Green Bayside Program

Residents can snag a voucher for a native plant from Bayside Garden Centre.

Simply complete the Adopt a Tree survey, and the Council will send you a voucher worth up to $20 for a native tree.

There are heaps of other exciting eco-activities to get involved in throughout the year. The full list of activities was shared by the council at the April 2023 City Services Committee meeting: