‘Keeps you fit and motivated’: joy of volunteering

Tucked away in the heart of our community lies a secret place lovingly cared for by a small group of passionate volunteers.

You can find the peaceful four-hectare Iliad Avenue Bushland Conservation Reserve nestled next to the Buderim Private Hospital.

Its tall trees, climbing vines, and seasonal flowers make the reserve a sanctuary for many birds like kookaburras, galahs and rainbow lorikeets as well as wallabies, lizards and, sometimes, snakes.

The reserve is cared for by the Iliad Bushcare Group and here you will find them on the first Saturday of each month between 8am and 10am, working together to improve the natural bushland.

The volunteers welcome you to join them at a working bee whenever it suits you. Activities always conclude with a delicious morning tea and a chat.

Or you could join a group in your local area. There are more than 30 that hold regular working bees across the Sunshine Coast.

Search “bushcare” on Council’s website at sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au to learn more.

Meet Eunice: a guardian of Iliad Reserve

As a volunteer with the Iliad Bushcare Group, Eunice has a deep love for this reserve and its vibrant ecosystem.

"The beautiful Iliad Reserve has been my neighbour for 42 years,” she said.

“We built our one and only house here – it is home."

Volunteering at the reserve is a labour of love for Eunice.

"The reserve is a dear friend. We try to care for her and protect her where possible," she explains.

The main challenge is managing invasive weeds, but the group stays vigilant.

They also plant new trees to replace those lost to storms, ensuring the reserve remains beautiful for future generations.

Staying active and connecting with friends

Eunice finds peace and purpose in her work, enjoying the company of other volunteers and the support of BushCare Officers sharing that volunteering is more than just physical work; it's a fulfilling experience.

"To volunteer is to give of yourself freely, willing to help without pay. It is selfless and there is a peace about being selfless that makes you a better person," Eunice reflects.

The physical activity keeps her fit and motivated, with the goal of staying independent well into her later years.

The monthly gatherings are a highlight, offering a chance to connect with nature and her local community.

Conservation efforts

The group meets once a month to remove exotic grasses and ferns, plant Richmond Birdwing Vines, and enjoy a light morning tea together.

This lowland subtropical rainforest reserve features tall trees like flooded gum, tallowwood and brushbox, with a vine forest understorey.

The dense vine thicket provides a perfect habitat for the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly vine, supporting the larvae of the endangered Birdwing butterflies.

An invitation to join

Eunice encourages anyone interested to join the Iliad Bushcare Group.

"If you’re not doing anything, come and see for yourself. You will be blessed by the forest, the people, and the challenge.”

Sunshine Coast Division 6 Councillor Christian Dickson said through programs like BushCare, Council was working with the community to nurture and enhance our environment and quality of life.  

“Thank-you to Eunice and the Iliad Bushcare Group and for the love and care you have given to our local environment.”