Community members and landholders are invited to attend the African Olive field day, which will feature informative presentations, weed control drone demonstrations, complimentary gift bags for DIY, as well as free lunch and transport.

Jordan Skinner, Council’s Bushland Management Officer, says this is an opportunity for people across the Hunter to get together and help stop this nasty weed.

“African Olive is incredibly invasive and it’s taking over natural bushland and farming land across Port Stephens, Maitland, Cessnock and Singleton.

“It looks a bit like a European olive tree, but these olives are tasteless. It spreads quickly, threatening our native flora and fauna while harbouring pests like rabbits, foxes and myna birds,” Mr Skinner said.

“This free field day will provide our local community and landholders with the knowledge and tools they need to help us stop the spread of African Olive,” he said.

“It’s going to be a great free day out – Jason Hodges from Better Homes and Gardens will be there to answer questions, we’ll have lots of informative demonstrations, complimentary DIY gift bags, and of course, pizza with olives!”

“This day wouldn’t be possible without the assistance of the NSW Government’s Environmental Trust, and we’re incredibly thankful for their help."

Find out more

• Check out Council's African Olive Fact Sheet (PDF 3.6MB)
• Visit Council's Priority weeds page

The African Olive Field Day will run from 9.30am-1.30pm Wednesday 11 April 2018. Free transport will be provided from Salt Ash and Maitland via bus, and limited places means bookings are essential - phone (02) 4988 0326 or email weeds@portstephens.nsw.gov.au.