The Big Lift at Werris Creek

Werris Creek Lions Club successfully applied for funding through Tamworth Regional Landcare Associations 2026 Small Grants Funding for their project to repair and replant a section of Werris Creek on Silo Road, purchasing 600 plants from TRLA Nursery.

This would have been a big project for Werris Creek Lions. But there was a secret weapon – the University of Technology Sydney volunteer student organisation – “The Big Lift”. This brought 40 students to Werris Creek as part of their annual weeklong winter program to support regional communities.

The “Big Lift” organisation commenced in 2010 based on a “pay it forward” philosophy, connecting the students with regional communities through acts of service, storytelling and shared experience.

Prior to the planting day, a Creekside meeting was held with Liverpool Plains Shire Weeds Officer, Mike Whiteney, myself (Local Landcare Coordinator), President Mark Mork and Treasurer Maritta Heiler. As a result, an eroded and unstable section of the bank was “sculpted” by a local earthworks contractor, and noxious weeds were sprayed and removed.

The planting day started early, with a bus load of students given a detailed briefing from Maritta and Mark, and divided into teams to plant. All done in about 3 hours, with a creek bank celebration of Macharina and “Nut Bush City Limits” – quite a sight!

Lunch at the Werris Creek Golf Club, a visit to meet a local echidna and presentation of “thank you” bags from the Lions and Landcare (promoting NSW Landcare’s Intrepid Youth program) ended a very enjoyable and productive morning.

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