Blue Mountains City Council has acknowledged the passing of long-serving Bushcare volunteer, David Coleby, honouring his significant contribution to the program, as the United Nations marks 2026 as the International Volunteer Year.
In January, Rae Druitt and the late David Coleby marked a significant milestone – 30 years each as volunteers with Blue Mountains City Council’s Bushcare program.
Mayor, Mark Greenhill said the dedication of volunteers like Rae and David reflects the deep connection the community has to its unique natural environment.
“We extend our sincere condolences to David’s partner Rae, friends, family and fellow Bushcare volunteers,” Mayor Greenhill said.
“Rae and David’s legacy is an inspiration to us all. Bushcare volunteers are the heart of our environmental stewardship. Their work has supported habitat restoration, protected biodiversity and strengthened our resilience in the face of climate change.”
Starting in January 1996, the pair contributed a combined 60 years of service helping to restore and protect local bushland. Now in her nineties, Rae is passing the baton to the next generation of Bushcarers.
Rae said her decades of volunteering have been deeply rewarding.
“Because my preference is to be outdoors rather than in, Bushcare has always been a favourite volunteer activity,” she said.
“As a bonus it offers the opportunity to contribute to the wellbeing of our local bushland and meet lots of like-minded people whilst enjoying and learning about our natural environment.
Bushcare volunteers work on weeding and habitat restoration projects, taking pride in seeing their local “patch” regenerate over time. The program also offers botanical and fauna workshops, spotlighting tours and other events to help volunteers deepen their knowledge of the Blue Mountains’ unique ecosystems.
There are 64 Bushcare groups operating across the Blue Mountains, stretching from Lapstone to Mount Victoria and across to Mount Wilson, providing opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities to get involved.
