Every Tuesday, Thursday, and the last Sunday of each month, a dedicated group of volunteers heads to the dunes along Perth’s northern beaches, quietly transforming bare sand and weeds into healthy, native coastal habitat.
They are part of Stirling Natural Environment Coastcare (SNEC), a community group working to restore and protect nearly eight kilometres of coastline from Watermans Bay to Peasholm Dog Beach. Their focus is on removing invasive weeds, planting native species, laying sand netting, and educating the public on how to reduce erosion and protect the dunes.
“The role of the group is to clean up the dunes, keep them weed-free, but also to educate people about what’s right for the beach and the ocean,” said Works Coordinator Thea Bailey, who’s been volunteering for nearly 18 years. “We only plant what’s natural to the area. We’re trying to recreate and revegetate the dunes where they’ve been worn down.”
The group times its planting season across May, June and July. In one recent session, they planted 600 natives in South Trigg. And the results speak for themselves. Once-barren areas have now become thriving habitats that support a wide variety of native species. In some restored areas, native wildlife has even returned.
“If you go up to some of the spots we’ve intensively managed, the condition of the bushland is incredible,” said committee member Mel Smith. “We’ve even seen Quendas (little native bandicoots), come back to areas where they hadn’t been seen in years.”
To support the group’s ongoing work, Surfing WA began hosting equipment for SNEC at its Trigg headquarters in 2023. A secure storage crate now allows volunteers to safely store tools and restoration materials between sessions.
“It might seem like a small thing, but it’s made a huge impact,” Smith said. “We used to have to cart everything in and out of cars, which added a lot of work for the volunteers. Now we’ve got a base right in the middle of our working area, it’s made life a lot easier, and we really appreciate the support.”
Smith, who joined the group four years ago, said the work was both rewarding and restorative.
“You’re outdoors looking at the ocean, doing something positive. It’s quite a mindful activity,” she said. “But it’s also the people, they’re so friendly and welcoming. You’re part of something bigger, and it really does make a difference.”
Long-time volunteer Jennifer Holy Cross, who grew up in Scarborough, has taken on a new role within the group in recent years.
“I can’t weed or plant anymore, so now I do morning tea,” she said. “That’s my contribution. I bring the coffee, fruit, cheese and biscuits and cake if they’re lucky (laughs), and make sure everyone’s looked after. I’ve been involved for about 15 years and it’s lovely to give back and preserve this place for the next generation.”
SNEC has around 80 registered volunteers, but only a small core group attends regularly, so there’s always room for more.
“There’s never-ending weeds,” Smith said with a laugh. “If you can only come for an hour, or once a month, or once a year, that’s fine. Every bit counts.”
Volunteer sessions run Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am–10am, and on the last Sunday of each month.
“We’re very flexible, and we always finish with a good morning tea,” said Bailey.
For more information visit the SNEC website stirlingnaturalenvironmentcoastcare.com
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