Each year from October to March, except January, members of the Rotary Club of Wollongong meet with the supervisor of the Botanic Garden, Grahame Cook, for their annual working bees, to carry out a range of duties organised for them by Grahame. These include maintenance tasks, cleaning, planting, watering, etc. It is a wonderful opportunity to present the park to the huge number of visitors who take advantage of this iconic tourist attraction on a daily basis.

The Rotary Club of Wollongong initiated this project as a gift to the city of Wollongong to celebrate 50 years of Rotary International capturing the enthusiasm and the support the local businesses, volunteers and the community generally. The work began on the access road to Mount Keira Summit Park in July 1954. This was finished on June 30, 1955, when the Minister for Lands at that time travelled up the access road, Queen Elizabeth Drive, to view the work taking place on the development of the lookouts and the park generally. A plaque was unveiled commemorating details of those who donated the land and those who generously contributed through their funding, equipment and labour - "an example of true community service".

It is in keeping with this initiative, Mount Keira Summit Park remains as part of the club's calendar of community service each year.

Members of the community are invited to join the Rotarians, their families and friends, at these working bees which run from 5pm-7pm. The next is on November 13, 2019.

It is important to wear suitable clothing, closed in shoes, gloves, and warm attire if the weather is a bit chilly as it was last Wednesday. The kiosk can be organised to be open at this time when the weather is warmer and numbers of workers increase.

In the interim, BYO food and drink is encouraged. It is certainly a wonderful opportunity to wind down at the end of a busy day and have some fun, fellowship and enjoy the scenery.

For further information contact Dot Hennessy on 0412 120 314.