Andy Wakefield is a geologist, botanist, husband, father – and now a Bushcare Golden Secateurs winner.
“It hasn’t necessarily been a conscious decision to get involved in Bushcare,” says Andy. “To me, it’s just something that feels integral to who I am.”
Having grown up loving the outdoors and later studying it at university, Andy developed a strong connection with nature.
“If there’s any one single driver for me, it’s to protect the bush we have. Someone has to look after this place.”
After moving back to Ridgeway in 2006 from Western Australia, Andy found a strong sense of community through Bushcare.
Befriending the then-convener Sue Drake, Andy felt Bushcare aligned perfectly with his values. When Sue stepped down in 2017, Andy volunteered to take on the role of convenor and has led the Ridgeway group ever since.
Andy Wakefield shows off his Golden Secateurs award with Bec Johnson and Claire Knowles from our Bushcare program.
Why Bushcare matters
Bushcare offers more than environmental benefits – it’s good for the mind and body.
“You get exercise, health benefits and a real sense of satisfaction,” says Andy. “But the long-term trajectory of bushland is even more important. Healthy bushland is fundamental to mental health and community wellbeing.”
His three sons often join the Ridgeway working bees, giving them a hands-on connection with nature and something constructive to do that’s not technology based.
“We try and give them some depth to what they're seeing and experiencing. The more you can drive those connections, the deeper they go. Helping foster that involvement is critical in maintaining the places we love.”
Bushcare is a multi-generational commitment, which is why Andy believes passing down the torch is crucial to its longevity,
“You can’t just do one campaign and walk away. It takes ongoing monitoring and effort to keep weeds under control.”
Leading from the front
Andy works closely with the City of Hobart Bushcare team to plan and prioritise areas for weed management. Identifying the areas that need work, understanding risks and getting landowner permissions are part of the process.
“We focus on reserves, managing weeds like Spanish heath and foxglove. It’s a long-term effort – seeds can lie dormant for decades.”
Working bees are usually held on Sunday afternoons, either monthly or every second month. The Bushcare team provides tools, protective equipment and support to volunteers.
At the end of each working bee everyone shares tea, coffee and biscuits - Tim Tams if you’re lucky!
“I think in terms of bang for buck, the Tasmanian community gets a huge amount out of the investment in Bushcare. I would be pretty devastated if there wasn't something like Bushcare continuing.”
Recognition and reflection
Each year, the City of Hobart recognises an outstanding Bushcare volunteer with the Golden Secateurs Award. Andy was humbled to receive this honour.
“I was genuinely shocked. I feel the Bushcare team drives most of the work. But this award reinforces the importance of what we do.”
For Andy, Bushcare is about more than weeds – it’s about community, connection and protecting Hobart’s natural heritage for future generations.
“There are moments where I genuinely get a lump in my throat. The benefits are so clear – for the bush, for our health and for our community. You're affecting change at a bigger level and it has lasting consequences and impact.”
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