New parents in Hornsby Shire have a fresh opportunity to connect with nature, build friendships, and get some well-deserved "me-time" with Hornsby Shire Council's innovative new initiative: the New-Bub Bushcare group.
Launched in November 2024 with 15 mums and dads, the unique program is designed to combat the social isolation and feelings of being overwhelmed that many new parents experience. It combines Bushcare with wellbeing, offering parents a chance to nurture their mental health while nurturing the environment.
Sessions are held every third Monday of the month, from 10am to 12pm at Mount Colah Community Hall. The first hour is dedicated to Bushcare, where parents help maintain the bushland surrounding Mount Colah Community Hall under the guidance of a qualified and experienced Bushcare Trainer (Council staff). During this time, free babysitting is provided by trained TAFE students who are supervised by a Child Safety Officer from Hornsby Shire Council.
Following the Bushcare session, parents reunite with their children for a relaxed social hour, complete with light refreshments, offering new mums a chance to drink a cup of tea or coffee while it's still warm.
"New-Bub Bushcare is as much about self-care as it is about Bushcare. The program achieves several strategic priorities, including reducing social isolation, enhancing community participation and recruiting new Bushcare members," said Hornsby Shire Mayor Warren Waddell.
"We hope that parents in our community will come along, give it a try, and experience the many benefits this group offers – for themselves, their children, and the local environment."
Science shows that being in nature can boost mood and enhance happiness, thanks to beneficial bacteria in soil. New-Bub Bushcare combines this with the sense of accomplishment from helping local bushland thrive, social interaction with other parents, and a break from home-based distractions.
One of the parents who participated in the trial, Liching Yew, shared her experience, stating, "It was a truly wonderful experience and a much-needed opportunity for new mums like me to connect with others in a relaxed and supportive environment."
Babies and young children are cared for by students enrolled in TAFE NSW's Adult Migrant English Program who have completed child safety training through TAFE childcare centres and hold Working with Children Checks.
Hornsby Shire Council's Bushcare program is a well-established and leading environmental program where members of the community help restore local bushland, through controlling weeds and planting local native species, whilst also learning about native flora and fauna.
The next New-Bub Bushcare will be held on Monday, 17 February 2025. Parents are invited to express their interest in joining via hornsby.nsw.gov.au/bub-bushcare
