Since May the group has undertaken weed control, revegetation, rubbish removal, pathway and infrastructure maintenance and the extension of a bush tucker garden at People’s Park, Gulgong, Putta Bucca Wetlands, Flirtation Hill, Cudgegong River through Mudgee and Rylstone, Rylstone Common and Adam’s lead Reserve. 

They have developed skills to conduct flora and fauna surveys, water quality monitoring, seed collection and propagation, and work with volunteer groups. 

One of the three participants to secure work, Kayla Ellis, 20, said the skills she gained from the project played a major role in securing her a job. 

“I wanted to have a new experience and I was interested in the outdoors and horticulture and thought the Green Army would be a good opportunity,” Kayla, said. 

“It’s a great experience that has given me skills that were part of the reason I was able to get the job.”

“What has been done here is unbelievable … I hear 3000 trees have been planted in the last few months,” Mid-Western Regional Council mayor Paul Cavalier said at a ceremony for the group yesterday. 

“One of the great things to come from this project is that lots of different groups worked together,” acting general manager Simon Jones said. 

“As the project is coming to a close it is terrific to hear of the opportunities to train and develop skills and the employment opportunities to spring from this.”

The Green Army is a federal government initiative run by the Department of Environment as a stepping stone to work for 17-24 year olds. 

Service provider Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) has supervised implementation of the works.