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For local artist, Kim Chau, CBCity’s Bushcare program is more than just an opportunity to give back to the local community, it inspires her artistic genius.

The Birrong local first volunteered for Bushcare during her studies in Natural History Illustration to find inspiration for her botanical masterpieces.

But volunteering for Bushcare taught Ms Chau more than she could ever learn from a textbook.

“Bushcare allowed me to observe the parts of flowers, plants and insects that I would only read about in textbooks. It really brought out the Picasso in me,” Ms Chau said.

“And from expert birdwatchers to those skilled in environmental management, you get to volunteer with people who have a wealth of knowledge about the environment.”

When out on Bushcare expeditions, Ms Chau hunts for exquisite plants and animals that she can replicate in her botanical drawings and sculptures. She’s created intricate hand-made lemon myrtle cards, painted Macedonia’s with watercolour, and even built a 3D Cockatoo by paper.

“Sometimes you bump into something magnificent you would only see in the bush!” Ms Chau said.

“I discovered the Native Australian Greenhood Orchids at one of the Bushcare sites, and I now go back in the Wintertime to draw them.”

Mayor Khal Asfour said Canterbury-Bankstown has a rich, diverse and unique natural environment, that we all must nurture and care for.

“There are more than 350 hectares of natural Bushland in our City, which are important for their beauty and the educational and recreational opportunities they provide” Mayor Asfour said.

“I encourage all locals to roll up their sleeves and do their bit to help our natural landscape thrive.”

“With more than 17 different sites to choose from, you might even discover an ecosystem right around the corner from you!”

Ms Chau said volunteering at Bushcare is a great opportunity to enjoy nature and learn something new.

“You’ll make friends with people who have different skills and improve your knowledge on the environment,” she said.

Volunteers are currently needed across the 17 locations to help remove weeds, plant native vegetation and maintain wetlands.

For more information or to get involved, visit cb.city/bushcare