About 70 Deloitte staff recently joined The Hills Shire Council's Bushcare volunteers at Eric Mobbs Reserve, in Castle Hill, to assist in the caring and restoration of local bushland.
Deloitte staff aided in the removal of invasive weeds, including Madeira Vine, Lantana, Privet and Ochna, from an area of critically endangered community - Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest. Less than 10 per cent of the original forest community remains in locations within the Sydney area.
After their hard work, staff enjoyed a guided walk where they learnt more about the history and nature of the Reserve from one of Council's long-term volunteers, Les Brown.
Mr Brown has more than 50 years of volunteering experience with Council. He started his volunteering efforts as a volunteer ranger at Eric Mobbs Reserve. From there, he held various positions on the Eric Mobbs Reserve 355 Committee, including Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. He is now actively involved with Birdlife Australia, monitoring the endangered Powerful Owl colony that lives within the Reserve in Castle Hill.
Director of Deloitte, Jaramie Nejal said it was such a fantastic day, and she loved the opportunity to bring everyone together for some hard work and fun outdoors.
"It was the first-time we've been able to do a big group volunteering activity since the pandemic, and I am so proud of the over 70 Deloitte volunteers who came from all over Sydney - and one even came down from Coffs Harbour - to help out with preserving a little patch of forest so close to my heart," Ms Nejal said.
"We had so much fun! I've already had plenty of enquiries from the team on how they can get involved in planning next year's Deloitte and Bushcare event – and even more exciting, several of the volunteers mentioned to me that they were going to check in with their local Bushcare groups to see how they can get involved. I think that is an amazing outcome," she added.
General Manager of The Hills Shire Council, Michael Edgar said it was fantastic to see a business wanting to give back to their local community.
"There are many reasons why businesses should participate in our Bushcare program, including the ability it has to build team spirit and enthusiasm, as well as learning more about the environment around us and giving back," Mr Edgar said.
"Protecting our local environment is a big job, and we need the support of our local businesses and the community to conserve our local bushland across The Hills Shire.
"I highly encourage local businesses to get involved. I also want to thank Deloitte for their contribution, and I hope to see them returning in the near future," Mr Edgar added.
