BushCare restoration projects, events and partnerships
BushCare focuses volunteering at priority restoration sites. Delivering planting and restoration activities for schools, corporate groups and the community through planned seasonal events.
BushCare restoration projects focus community volunteering at priority sites where planting, weed management and long-term care can make a measurable difference.
These projects bring together local volunteers, schools, workplaces, community groups, sponsors and environmental partners through planned seasonal community planting events, complimented by BushCare group working bees.
Events - open for registration
Bookings are essential for safety, managing capacity limits to minimise environmental damage, and to ensure we bring enough equipment and catering for you.
Doonan Planting Festival
6 days. 7,100 native trees, shrubs and grasses. Hundreds of locals. Creating habitat. Making an impact.
Join Sunshine Coast Council's BushCare team at Doonan Creek Environment Reserve from 21 to 26 July 2026.
This multi-day restoration event brings together community members, schools, organisations and partners to plant thousands of native plants and improve local biodiversity.
Together, we will create habitat for local wildlife, strengthen habitat connections and make a lasting contribution to the Sunshine Coast environment.
Visit our event hub → for everything you need to know - what to wear, what is provided, safety information, what time, how do I get there...and more!
| Drop-in planting days | Community planting | SC Lightning fans planting |
| Tuesday 21 - Friday 24 July 7:30am - 4pm, daily. | 25 July 2026 8:30 - 11 am | 26 July 2026 8:30 - 11 am |
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Drop in for 30 minutes, an hour or the whole day. Register in advance or simply turn up. Groups with 10+ please, must register. Self-guided nature walk - bring your smart device to do the activities along the way. | A family-friendly community planting open to individuals, families and groups. Registration required. Welcome to Country Guided planting and a self-guided nature walk. | Plant 1,000 trees alongside Lightning netball players Registration & free bus travel from USC Arena, Sippy Downs required. Lightning merchandise giveaways and morning tea included. |
| Register your attendance → | Registration form → | Registration form → |
Don't see a date that suits? Register as a BushCare volunteer and we'll contact you when new events open near you.
PROJECT 1 | Doonan Creek ER
Location: Verrierdale
About: Doonan Creek Environment Reserve is part of a long-term restoration program.
Our project focuses on:
- Revegetation of cleared and degraded areas
- Removal of environmental weeds
- Strengthening habitat corridors
This helps support biodiversity and build stronger, more connected ecosystems.
BushCare volunteering opportunities:
- Doonan Planting Festival, 21 - 26 July 2026.
PROJECT 2 | Point Cartwright to Buddina BushCare Community Restoration Project
Location: Buddina / Point Cartwright
About: Protecting and restoring coastal bushland and dune systems. Volunteer opportunities at regular planting and weed management sessions.
BushCare volunteering opportunities:
- Buddina Coastcare
- Buddina South Bushcare group
- Pt Cartwright Bushcare Group
- Seeds of Hope planting event - early December 2026
PROJECT 3 | Kirbys Road ER BushCare Planting
Location: Obi Obi
About: Large-scale habitat restoration supporting wildlife movement and biodiversity.
BushCare volunteering opportunities:
- Community planting in mid-September 2026
PROJECT 4 | Sunshine Coast Ecological Park BushCare Restoration Project
Location: Maleny
About: Coordinated restoration activities supporting the council's broader environmental strategy.
BushCare volunteering opportunities:
- Community planting event in October 2026
- Community planting event in April 2027
Support restoration through sponsorship
Sponsorship directly funds the planting, care and long-term protection of native habitat. Whether you're a business, community group or individual, your investment creates a lasting contribution to Sunshine Coast's important ecological restoration sites.
Your sponsorship covers native plants grown by local community nurseries, site preparation by professional bush regeneration contractors, volunteer planting facilitated by the BushCare team, and establishment care and ongoing management as part of Council's reserve stewardship.
Get hands-on with what you sponsor
Sponsors are invited to plant the habitat they sponsor at our annual Doonan Planting Festival in late July. You can book a dedicated corporate planting session, or bring colleagues, friends or family to a community planting day.
Two ways to sponsor
1. Sponsor plants through ReForest's online platform
Our partnership with ReForest makes it easy to sponsor native plants online, receive impact reporting and track your contribution to the Doonan Community Restoration Project.
2. Partner directly with BushCare
For larger or tailored partnerships, restoration project agreements or custom corporate volunteering and sponsorship packages, contact the BushCare team directly.
How our community planting program works
Our planting events are generally delivered during two seasonal planting blocks each year.
These windows provide the best conditions for plant survival and ensure our team can safely support volunteers.
By grouping events together, we can:
- deliver safe, well-supported planting activities
- make the best use of staff and volunteer time
- purchase plants and materials efficiently
- reduce costs and travel
- achieve stronger long-term environmental outcomes
We are unable to offer exclusive planting events outside these periods, but we welcome schools, corporate groups and community organisations to join our next scheduled planting block.
All events are free. No experience needed. Tools and guidance provided. All you need to bring are enclosed shoes, hat, sunscreen, water bottle and enthusiasm.