A new native nursery opened by Skillset Land Works is set to create environmental, educational and employment opportunities for the Bathurst community while supporting the propagation of locally endemic plants for revegetation and environmental restoration projects across the region.
Officially opened on Wednesday 26 August by The Hon. Paul Toole MP, Member for Bathurst, the nursery will provide a practical space for students, volunteers and community members to learn about native plant propagation, environmental stewardship and pathways into outdoor and conservation careers. Skillset Senior College students were onsite to view the nursery’s first native plantings for future propagation and environmental projects.
The nursery was established with an $11,000 grant from the NSW Government through the Community Building Partnership 2025 Program. Funding supported the installation of a commercial nursery poly tunnel, irrigation components and plant stands at the Skillset Land Works depot in Mitchell.
As a not-for-profit social enterprise, Skillset Land Works delivers environmental services including tree planting, weed management and grounds maintenance while creating opportunities for practical skills development and pathways to employment. The nursery will strengthen this approach by providing locally grown native plants for regional projects while creating additional opportunities for people to gain hands-on skills and experience. Works to establish the nursery are already underway, with native species being propagated for future revegetation and habitat restoration projects. As the nursery becomes fully operational, it will also support partnerships with schools, community groups and volunteers interested in learning more about environmental management and native plant conservation.
Skillset Land Works Manager Russell Meadley said the nursery would provide long-term value for both Land Works projects and the wider community.
“This nursery gives our team a dedicated space to grow locally appropriate native plants and better prepare for revegetation and restoration projects across the region,” Mr Meadley said.
“It will also allow us to create more hands-on learning opportunities for students and community members through workshops and work experience. We want the nursery to be a practical place where people can learn about propagation, environmental care and the types of skills used in outdoor and conservation work.”
“The support provided through the Community Building Partnership Program has helped us establish an asset that can continue to benefit local environmental projects and community partnerships for years to come.”
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said this funding has been put to good use.
“This grassroots funding has helped create an expanded facility that will allow Skillset Land Works to continue their vital work looking after our environment,” Mr Toole said.
“It’s projects such as this that make a real difference for organisations in the area and give locals and students of Skillset Senior College more opportunities to learn and develop skills.”
The full environmental, educational and social benefits of the project will continue to develop as native plants are propagated and used in regional projects, helping to strengthen both local landscapes and community connections to the environment.
