The program is run over a 26 week period to allow the team to gain accreditation in Certificate Two in Conservation and Land Management.

The team is learning about a range of bush regeneration techniques, while working to preserve significant cultural heritage sites and restore native vegetation communities through the Yacaaba Peninsula Aboriginal Protection and Coastal Vegetation Regeneration Project.

The team is affectionately known as the Karuah First Indigenous Regeneration Services Team (FIRST) Green Team.

“Our team of Indigenous trainees are powering along in this practical conservation course. The team have already gained important skills in weed identification and learnt effective removal methods,” Conservation Volunteers Australia spokesperson Leonie Winner said.

The skills will assist the members with significant coastal environment and protect important Aboriginal sites in the area whilst restoring native habitat.

“The team of eight envisage their accreditation at the end of the 26 week long course will assist them to gain full time employment as bush regeneration professionals to continue the important work at Yacaaba and in the surrounding region,” Ms Winner said.

Conservation Volunteers Australia, Great Lakes Council, Karuah Local Aboriginal Land Council, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hunter Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority and Taree Indigenous Development and Employment Ltd have joined forces to deliver this exciting new project.