Jen leads the Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Bushcare Team, and in that position she has shown qualities of leadership, and organisation skills as she co-ordinates and integrates the many volunteer groups and activities. There are 18 volunteer groups, all of which are guided and assisted by the four-member Bush Regeneration Team. The role includes management of the community nursery, and special projects. Prior to gaining employment with the Council, Jen was a volunteer at the Bushcare Nursery and with a Bushcare group.

Jen was nominated as a champion by the Mt Gibraltar Landcare/Bushcare group which itself has worked on the highly-valued Mt Gibraltar Heritage Reserve for 24 years. They particularly appreciate Jen’s friendly interaction with all members who feel valued and encouraged. Her sense of humour helps to resolve many issues.

Jen says that what inspires her is the beauty of the bushland she lives in. From the time her family came to live in the Shire she has been passionately interested to learn about the local native plants, and this led to her studying and gaining qualifications in Conservation and Land Management. She loves that even a small patch of bush such as the trees and shrubs adjacent to the Bushcare shed at the Council depot can develop significant habitat values. Seeing the changes and improvements that can be brought about by a regular group activity on a site is very inspiring, as is seeing the growing confidence, knowledge and enthusiasm of volunteers as they learn the unique qualities of their site.

She has made a huge difference, not only on the ground, but to the Council’s and community’s attitude towards conservation.

Here is a short video about Jen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jy_9NkcPbow