Biodiversity and River Health

Working Groups

In order to develop and implement strategies RCE-GWS have implemented a number of working groups to address and create projects around our regional sustainability challenges.

Overview of Working Group

The Biodiversity and River Health working group aims to engage and educate the local community and schools of thepre-appreciates working at the Riverfarm - WSI TAFE .JPG importance of our natural environment.

One key project is the Hawkesbury Riverfarm coordinated by the UWS Office of Sustainability. It is being build as a living laboratory on social, cultural, economic and environmental change and a learning resource for GWS school students, VET trainees and community groups.

Another key project is the Hawkesbury River Waterkeeper coordinated by UWS, WSI TAFE and HEN which is a unique partnership aiming to work together to protect the health and vitality of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River.

Current working group members

UWS Office of Sustainability (group leader), Western Sydney Institute TAFE, Hawkesbury Environment Network, NSW Department of Education & Community, Brewongle Environmental Education Centre, Greening Australia, uwsconnect.

Associated project partners

Darug Tribal Aboriginal Corporation, Hawkesbury Alumni Charter, Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Authority, Cumberland Bird Observers Club, Willow Warriors.

Working Group Projects

  • Completion of the Riverfarm shed as an outdoor teaching facility with WSI TAFE.
  • Grain silo conversation with Victoria University and WSI TAFE.
  • Board walk construction with WSI TAFE.
  • Boat and boat shed through sponsorship.
  • A River Festival to celebrate the offical launch of the Riverfarm in March 2014.
  • Oral History tours, Dreaming on the Riverfarm, of the site from Pre-European Settlement to its present day uses, including Brewongle site visits with schools.
  • Bush regeneration on the Hawkesbury Riverbanks with WSI TAFE and HNCMA.
  • Windsor to Weir community bush regeneration project with Greening Australia.
  • Love you Lagoons wetlands awareness project.
  • River Ecology for environmental education with Brewongle Environmental Education Centre.
  • Jewel beetle project on UWS Hawkesbury campus in the Cumberland Plain Woodland with School of Science and Health.
  • Waterkeeper base, with increased reporting and collaboration with local schools and community groups.
  • Nesting boxes for birds at the Riverfarm.