ETC provides seating for local nature reserve

Toormina residents can now put up their feet and enjoy the bushland surroundings in their local Reserve located off Kinchela Avenue.

Thanks to a grant from the ETC Community Support Fund, the Kinchela Reserve Landcare Group have been able to install seating at the popular nature site.

Coordinator for the Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare Helen Lawrence said it was great to now have seating available as the area was used frequently by locals.

“Essentially this is the backyard for over a dozen houses. Previously there was nowhere to rest and many elderly residents use the Reserve,” Ms Lawrence said.

“We often see children on their way to school, elderly people walking their dogs, mothers with their babies and many families stop along the pathway to feed the ducks and exercise.”

According to Ms Lawrence, local Work for the Dole participants were used to install the seats and the local High School had been approached to use the site for work placement for students doing the Primary Industries course.

“Our Landcare Group have been working hard over the past five years to regenerate the Reserve and eradicate noxious weeds as it was just neglected. It’s such a beautiful site with the lake and a nice view from the hill,” she said.

“The progress has been so good with the planted trees growing well. We hope that the bushland will increase Koala habitat and hopefully breeding numbers will increase as a result.”

The Landcare Group’s next job is to plant more trees in the eastern section of the Reserve and hopefully recruit more volunteers.

To find out more about how you can get involved with the Landcare projects contact the Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare office on 6651 1308.

ETC Director Chris Hines said it was a pleasure to be able to support the Kinchela Reserve Landcare Group.

“The ETC Community Support Fund is designed to help organisations reduce disadvantage, generate opportunity, increase support services and/or build capacity in the communities in which we operate,” Mr Hines said.

“ETC is proud to be a not-for-profit company and we are confident the money we are donating will help make a more positive future for our community.”

ETC provides employment, training and business services on the Mid North Coast. If you need help finding a job, are looking for staff or are interested in up-skilling, contact ETC on 1800 007 400 or visit www.etcltd.com.au.