Volunteers working to protect bushland in Serpentine Jarrahdale were recognised during a special morning tea and tour at the Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre in the Perth Hills.
Landcare SJ organised the event during National Volunteer Week to thank volunteers, members and staff for their work across the shire. Twenty-six people attended the gathering, which was supported through funding from WA Volunteers and Lotterywest.
Landcare SJ works with local volunteer groups on environmental projects including weeding, bushland restoration and rubbish collection.
The visit to Kaarakin gave attendees a chance to learn more about the rescue and rehabilitation of threatened Western Australian black cockatoos, including Carnaby’s, Baudin’s and Forest Red-tailed black cockatoos, which are found in the local area.
Senior Environmental Co-ordinator Dr Andrew Batty said the tour connected volunteers with another side of conservation work.
“The tour provided the opportunity to check out other aspects of conservation efforts to save these amazing iconic birds,” he said.
The tour was led by Kaarakin staff member Sam Clarke and included a behind the scenes look at rehabilitation work, as well as interactions with black cockatoos unable to return to the wild because of injuries.
One of the main talking points during the tour was the centre’s success in releasing rehabilitated birds back into the wild.
Dr Batty said volunteers enjoyed learning more about the birds and the work being done at the centre.
“It was really great seeing our volunteers enjoying themselves and learning about black cockatoos and Kaarakin,” he said.
Volunteer Vicky described the visit as an eye-opening experience.
“What an amazing event,” she said.
“It was really great to hear about all the important things Kaarakin do for black cockatoos.”
Landcare SJ also donated $500 from its black cockatoo public fund to support the conservation centre’s work.
The organisation said the event also gave volunteers and members a chance to get to know each other while celebrating the importance of volunteering in the community.
