FINGAL HEAD COASTCARE
About us
Fingal Head Coastcare maintains 35 hectares of crown land and has over 200 members. Note: 25 members have been granted life membership over the years.
Our mission statement: People caring for Fingal Head’s unique coastal environment by conserving and rehabilitating ecological systems and by maintaining the genetic integrity of the local flora.
Members of the current management committee for 2025 are: Richard (President), Kate (Vice President),
Karen (Treasurer), Grant (Secretary), Kay, Bunny, Robyn, Sam, Mitch and Lucia.
Fingal Head Coastcare condemns the recent White Supremacists' demonstration on Wollumbin. It is appalling that this attack was directed at a significant sacred aboriginal site and is designed to promote hate, white supremacy and racism. It is certainly not acceptable to disrespect Aboriginal cultural sites, but these acts are not acceptable on any site in our country and, indeed,have no place in our society. We extend our sympathy and full support to our local Aboriginal community in the aftermath of this despicable attack.
Profiles of some of our team members
Our working members are, and always have been, amazing, hard-working, cooperative, accomplished and skilled team players. They are the backbone and strength and are the reason that our group is successful and has achieved so much. Some of the key people who are currently in the group are shown below.
Kay Bolton
Kay first became involved in the group in 2000. She has been a key driver of the group, including president from 2003 to 2021, and is still very active in many areas. Kay was recognised on the NSW Hidden Treasures Honour Roll for 2015, and she received an OAM in 2022 for her role in coastal land management.
Ian 'Bunny' Rabbits
Bunny has been involved with the group since its formation. He has been a key player in the restoration of native vegetation on the Fingal Peninsula. Bunny is known as the “just do it” man and a relentless driver of many projects over the years.
Kate McKenzie
Kate was a co-founder of the group in 1986 and has been an active working member, taking many leadership roles ever since. With an Associate Diploma in Applied Science - Wilderness Reserves and Wildlife, a Certificate II in Bush Regeneration, a B.A. Dip. Ed. plus extensive on ground experience, Kate has been a leading environmental educator, imparting her extensive botanical and ornithological and bush regeneration knowledge and skills to FHC members and the wider community. Kate received the Tweed Australia Day Award for 2023 Volunteer of the Year – Individual.
Richard Roberts
Richard joined the group in 2018, and has been president since 2021. He is an enthusiastic, hard working, popular leader and with his background in law and finance, his expertise in grant submissions, fund-raising and dealing with bureaucracy is highly valued. He has driven the headland restoration and preservation project and overseen many other projects including the revamping of our nursery.
Jeanette Meredith
Jeanette joined the group in 2019. She took on the role of treasurer for two years and has been the nursery manager for two years. A retired GP, Dr Jeanette is our resident health care professional for humans and plants!
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Some testimonials ...
Sarah said, "As an environmental science student, coming to Fingal Head Coastcare has been incredibly invaluable for me, as it has given me the opportunity to learn practical aspects of bush regeneration and apply some of the theory I learn at uni in the field. I also love the community aspect of coming here, as we get to work together and have great chats whilst weeding and doing other tasks. It’s also great that a lot of the other volunteers have years of experience as ecologists, scientists and biologists, so they are kind of like mentors for me and I have learnt a lot. Being able to work in Fingal’s beautiful ecosystems and make a difference in restoring it back to its original condition before human disturbance is also a really great feeling, as I spent much of my childhood here and I have a strong connection to the land." (August 2024)
Rob said: "My new love – Fingal Head … I moved here 6 months ago and it didn’t take long to start enjoying the beach, coastal scenery, flora & fauna while exploring the woodland pathways and admiring the efforts of locals in maintaining the environment. Recently I joined FHC volunteer group and heartily endorse membership to any retiree like myself, looking for an enjoyable social experience." Rob (October 2024)
Chris Kunko, President of Fingal Board Riders, said, “Hi Kay, It was a pleasure working with you all on the planting days. You and the Dune Care mob are all super stars who are organised, approachable, wise and accepting. It is always a good sign when people of all generations arrive at the same head space. I will put a message and the stats on Facebook. Keep up the good work and a huge thank you from us all.” (2012)
"The Fragile Edge"
by Michael DeGood