Landcare Illawarra is pleased to announce the formation of two new community-led groups, launching at Loves Bay on the coast in Kiama’s south and inland at Jerrara Dam Reserve.

The community-based, volunteer-led Landcare movement features local residents working together to care for their environment. 

Projects may take place on private land or public reserves and are driven by local priorities and local knowledge.

Within the Kiama local government area there are already four Landcare groups working on private land and seven on Council reserves. 

These groups are formed by people who want to improve their immediate surroundings and make a positive contribution to their community.

The new Loves Bay Landcare group was initiated by Alan Woodward, a Kiama Heights local who lives near the popular starting point of the final stage of the Kiama Coast Walk. 

Alan approached Landcare Illawarra in late 2025 after recognising the opportunity to improve the ecological health of the area for the benefit of both nature and the community.

“Loves Bay is a beautiful place, but it could be better with the regeneration of vegetation and the environment around the creek that flows into the bay,” he said. 

“Already there are remnants of the rainforest that once covered the local area, with plants, seeds and water-life that could thrive through the removal of weeds and native plantings. 

“This Landcare project will restore a truly unique coastal place for the future.”

The first meeting of Loves Bay Landcare will be held on Saturday, 28 February.

Jerrara Dam Reserve is a 54-hectare site surrounded by farmland between Kiama and Jamberoo.

Ros Neilson, who lives in Jamberoo, is passionate about the reserve’s value as an important parcel of community land. 

She hopes the formation of a Landcare group will support continued public engagement with the area, which is already well used by birdwatchers, wildlife carers and walkers.

“This new group will focus on small, practical actions to support the regeneration of rainforest and wetlands in the face of ongoing weed pressure,” she said. 

“The site contains valuable and endangered remnant rainforest species, and what was once Jerrara Dam has naturally evolved into a wetland that provides important habitat for migratory birds and other native fauna.”

The group’s first working bee was held earlier this month and a follow-up session has been planned for Sunday, 22 February.

All community members are welcome to attend working bees at both sites, and no previous experience is required.

Landcare Illawarra vice chair Michael Andrews said the organisation was proud to support new community-driven initiatives.

“At Landcare Illawarra, we’re always excited to support new grassroots groups who are taking action to care for the places they love,” he said.

“Community-led projects like these don’t just improve the environment on the ground, they also show decision-makers at all levels how much our natural places matter. 

“We’re proud to support volunteers with the training, knowledge and technical support they need to make a real, lasting difference.”