The graduation ceremony took place at Phil and Penny Shoemark’s property “Northangera”, where the team had completed some revegetation works. When addressing the team and presenting them with their graduation certificates, Phil pointed out how well they had worked together and what important skills they’d gained for the future.

Congratulations go to all of the graduates – Tom Alder, Matthew Cork, Daniel Doran, Africa Mylchreest and Kaysea Wilson. We also said a fond farewell to the Team Supervisor, Alex James, who has led the first two teams that have worked across the Upper Shoalhaven. Alex said a highlight for he and many of the team members was getting to see, and work on, sites they would otherwise not have had a chance to see, as well as talking to the landholders about their different ideas and experiences. He said they’ll all be eager to look in-on the sites they worked on when they drive through the area in the future.

Participants were recruited from the region, to participate in a 23 Week programme, during which time they gained training, skills, hands-on experience, and great insight into natural resource and land management throughout the Upper Shoalhaven. This was achieved via training courses and through a variety of work conducted for landholders and land managers, which included tree planting, fencing, erosion control, weed removal and other work. Over the last few weeks, the team have also conducted some monitoring and evaluation across a number of revegetation sites – looking at survival rates of plantings and some of the reasons for different results. It was a valuable experience for all involved, and some participants expressed interest in continuing their involvement with Green Army. Whatever they choose to take on next, we wish them all the best and thank them for their work.

Recruitment for the next Green Army Team in this area is underway. Phone Skillset’s Green Army Coordinator on P: (02) 6330 1434 | M: 0417 041 506. or Landcare members seeking assistance can fill out a Work Request Form, from Upper Shoalhaven Landcare Council. Call (02) 4842 2594