Dunecare

Byron Shire beaches are famous around the world due to their beauty, environmental characteristics and recreational value. Our local environment has the highest biodiversity and the highest number of threatened species in New South Wales! In Byron Shire there are 7 Dunecare Groups made up of local community members who work with Council and other groups to protect our beach and dune environments and conserve threatened species. Byron Shire has pockets of Littoral Rainforest, (rainforest by the sea) which is listed as a threatened ecological community. Unfortunately there are threats such as infestations of weeds (Bitou Bush, Asparagus fern, Glory Lilly etc) if left uncontrolled will out compete our native vegetation. Volunteer Dunecare members have eradicated weeds from large areas, however more help is always needed for maintenance and weed control in new sites. Dune stabilisation by revegetation is a priority and Dunecare groups plant native trees and shrubs as well as fence off remnant vegetation. Groups have received funding to build observation decks and to formalise walkways or fence off the vulnerable fore-dune area. Community education is an important role to prevent damage that dumping rubbish and weeds, or illegal camping can cause.

Our Dunecare groups meet for regular working bees and training days. Information is shared amongst participants and lots of invaluable work is completed. Everyone is welcome and participants benefit from the rewards of becoming involved in an active community environmental group like Dunecare. Why not give our beaches a hand and get involved by calling a local Dunecare group for more information.

Dunecare groups in Byron Shire

New volunteers always welcome, even if you can just help occasionally please contact your local group.

Brunswick Heads Community Dunecare

These dunecarers have been working in the dunes from Torakina to the surf club at Brunswick Heads for over 10 years. The removal of weeds and planting of local native species has resulted in well established vegetation and improved habitat for the many birds, wallabies, echidnas and other wildlife that these dunes support.

Contact: Chris Barry 0431 077 308 email brunsdunecare@gmail.com

Byron Shire Chemical Free Group

This group are working South of Brunswick Heads surf club, operating under the umbrella of the Mullumbimby Community Gardens. The group has been funded by the Northern Rivers CMA to assist with manual removal of Bitou Bush and other weeds. Working Bees are fortnightly on Saturdays from 8:30 am till 12.30 pm.

Contact: Nadia 02 6684 4771 email npietramale@bigpond.com

Green and Clean Awareness Team

The team meet at 9am near the car park on Clarke's Beach on the third Sunday of every month for dune re-vegetation followed by a BBQ. You can see the team in action by viewing the video on their website.   

Contact: Veda 02 6685 7991 or Udo 1413 173 786

Website: www.greenclean.org.au

Cavanabah Dunecare

Cavanabah has remnants of Littoral rainforest which need protection from weeds. This group needs some new volunteers.

Contact: Bob Levett email wendylevett@gmail.com

North New Brighton Dunecare

This group was formed in September 2009 and in that short time they have already improved the dune vegetation. As well as community volunteers they have had contractors and occasionally the Byron Shire bush regeneration team help with weed control. Northern Rivers CMA has helped by providing a coastal grant to the group. They meet on the second Sunday of each month 8 am till 12 noon.

Contact: Shane Ivey 0431 906 031

South Golden Beach Dunecare

Bush regeneration work at South Golden Beach has been successful in suppressing many of the environmental weeds.  

Contact: Ian Parer 0431 662 058

Suffolk Park Dunecare

This group has been working in the dunes for over 20 years. Their fantastic work covers more than 3km of dunes. They have restored a strip of endangered Littoral rainforest and currently this group has grants from the Northern Rivers CMA and a Community Action Grant to assist with bush regeneration and planting. Everyone is welcome to come along to their working bees on the first Saturday of each month. Training is provided at the working bees for all new volunteers, so no experience necessary and no chemicals are used at any working bees. Helen Brown’s famous morning teas are provided after each working bee.

Contact:  Helen Brown 02 6685 4964 email hellyh@bigpond.com

Tallow Creek Dunecare

Planting local native trees and bush regeneration work is gradually transforming this coastal vegetation.

Contact: Jenny Caldwell 02 6685 4549 email caldwell2f@hotmail.com