Final working bee of 2021 a success for Friends of Taylor Park

ONE of Torquay’s longest running community groups completed its final working bee of 2021 capping off Taylor Park’s 100th year on a productive note.

The Friends of Taylor Park conducted its final working bee of the year, ending what was a heavily disrupted year.

Those in attendance on the day experienced a kind day weather-wise, which involved mulching at the Zeally Bay Road entrance of the park and the weeding of ivy next to the park’s waterway.

Coordinator of the Friends of Taylor Park, Ian Convery, said several working bees were cancelled or postponed throughout the year due to COVID-19, but that did not stop the group from maintaining high spirits.

“It always feels good to get out and do something like volunteering, especially during the times that it was getting quite depressing,” Mr Convery said.

“I really like the fact that everyone who comes along has a good chat. I can actually hear members of the group organising things to do and other social events.

“So, the social aspect of the group is a big driver for why it has been so successful for all these years.”

Mr Convery has been running the Friends of Taylor Park for the past four years and his attitude to preserving the park has remained steadfast since assuming command.
“I still enjoy it,” he said.

“I just like to think that if I can add to the park being improved, I can pass it on to someone else. I think it’s a terrific asset to the community.”

The Friends of Taylor Park has itself been working consistently to maintain the local bushland for 30 years and is looking forward to picking up where it left off next year with a bit of an extended break.

“Our next working bee is not scheduled to happen until February,” Mr Convery said.

“Traditionally the group has only had December off each year, but last year I found there was just too much on in December and January to try and organise a group activity.

“This time around we’ll be doing smaller activities that anyone can help out with, rather than doing an official working bee. For instance, if anyone wants to put mulch on the newly planted trees along Beach Road, they can do that.”

Celebrations for the 100th year since the naming of Taylor Park are still being finalised for early-2022, but in the meantime head to the Friends of Taylor Park Facebook page for upcoming working bees and updates.