New parents in Hornsby Shire have a fresh opportunity to connect with nature , build friendships , and get some welldeserved “ 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 bush
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Parents at the first New-Bub Bushcare session .
care . 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
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New-Bub Bushcare .
in the trial , Liching Yew , shared her experience , “ 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
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be held on Monday , 17 February 2025 . Parents are invited to express their interest in joining via www . hornsby . nsw . gov . au / bub-bushcare .
New mum Liching Yew with her baby at New- Bub Bushcare .
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