Instead of complaining, we decided to take action
Lisa Redman (middle) with volunteers at a Henley Dunes Care Group event
By Lisa Redman, Henley Dunes Care Group, South Australia
Established in May 2018, Henley Dunes Care Group is one of the newest groups to join the Landcare movement. Landcare in Focus chats with co-founder, Lisa Redman about how the group got started.
TELL US HOW HENLEY DUNES CARE GROUP BEGAN…
Last year concerns were raised with the local council over the eroding conditions of the dunes along Henley Beach. Their solution was to install a fence to prevent foot traffic from accessing them which my neighbour, Bernadette, and I believed was a short-sighted strategy. Instead of complaining we decided to take action and present a more sustainable solution to the problem. We made a proposal to the council that was cheaper, focused on revegetation and replanting, and engaged the community, which the council was happy to support and this became the catalyst for Henley Dunes Care Group.
HOW OFTEN DOES THE GROUP MEET?
Every month on a Sunday for two hours. We’re not a large group – we’re 6-10 regular volunteers – but we can have up to 40 people turning up to lend a hand at any time. Our motto is “come as you are, when you can”. We have people from all ages, of all abilities and from all nationalities turn up to lend a hand. Just the other month we had a young Argentinian couple join us, who’d just moved into the area. They were looking to connect with other locals and get involved in the community.
WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT FROM ONE OF YOUR DUNE CARE EVENTS?
A great day out in a beautiful environment planting trees, removing rubbish or installing fences! You work hard but at the end of the day you walk away with the enormous satisfaction that you’ve done something to care for the environment and connect with other people along the way.
To find out more about Henley Dunes Care Group visit henleydunes.org
