When Community Shows Up, Nature's Not All That Thrives: The Riddiford Arboretum Clean‑Up
Western Landcare NSW partnered with the Riddiford Arboretum Working Group during a Clean Up Australia Day. The Riddiford Arboretum is the cornerstone of Broken Hill’s conservation history, showcasing early methods pioneered by Albert Morris at Broken Hill.
Capacity building - LEP23-021-36
The issue
The Riddiford Arboretum remains a vital link to Broken Hill’s conservation legacy. Showcasing endemic native plant species and providing an urban corridor and refuge to native species and humans alike. A unique sanctuary in heart Broken Hill, though many community members are unaware it exists.
Broken Hill City Council tend to ongoing maintenance. Planting, weeding and regular tidying is supported by the tireless year-round efforts of the Riddiford Arboretum Working Party. Maintaining the Arboretum’s extensive plantings and pathways is an ongoing challenge. New member will be warmly welcomed.
The solution
Western Landcare NSW coordinated a Clean Up Australia Day event to support the Working Party and rally the broader community. The day was made possible through generous support from Broken Hill City Council, NetWaste, Broken Hill Woolworths, and Broken Hill Lions Club, who cooked our free community BBQ.
Volunteers streamed in throughout the morning — families, individuals, long‑time supporters, and even members of the NSW Fire Brigade, who rolled up their sleeves to help. Together, they tackled rubbish removal, tidying garden beds, clearing pathways, and refreshing key areas of the site.
The impact
The most powerful outcome of the day wasn’t just the bags of rubbish collected or the visible improvements across the site. It was the energy of children and youth who worked alongside adults and then stayed to enjoy the Arboretum afterwards.
The day not only achieved significant on‑ground improvements. It created a welcoming, energetic atmosphere that reminded us exactly what the Arboretum represents. A place for community and for learning that promotes enhanced environmental stewardship and sustainability in our region.
This event demonstrated the heart of Landcare - community‑led action, practical environmental stewardship, and intergenerational participation. It shows how coordinated efforts can reinvigorate important public spaces and strengthen local pride. Most importantly, it highlights that the Riddiford Arboretum thrives when the community comes together to care for it.
Key facts
- Volunteers left a cleaner, safer, more inviting Riddiford Arboretum.
- The event renewed community awareness of the Arboretum.
- The day increased visibility for the Working Party’s ongoing efforts.
- There is an ongoing need for more volunteers to join and support the Arboretum’s future.