26th Annual Bridges To Boorowa Planting Weekend A Collaborative Effort

The annual Bridges To Boorowa planting weekend was held recently, continuing a tradition that started 26 years ago.

The rural-urban collaboration began when North Sydney Bushcare volunteer Ross McLelland stopped over nearby.

“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!,’” said Ross.

Boorowa Landcare Coordinator Amber Kelly said the annual event grew from there.

“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.”

For this year’s Bridges To Boorowa weekend, over 35 volunteers journeyed to Boorowa, including surprise guest Costa Georgiadis.

“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,” said Amber.

Four landholders hosted the planting crews this year, which saw over 2,500 native plants successfully planted.

“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.”

Amber said collaboration and connection were a huge part of the weekend.

“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.”

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,” said Linda.

The weekend leaves a lasting impression on both the landscape and those who attended.

“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, ” said Amber.

• Topics:

• Environment
• Community Groups