Regeneration between the river and the ocean — Fingal Heads CoastCare x Ingrained Foundation

In 1986, in a small community tucked between the Tweed River and the ocean in Northern NSW, a group of individuals came together with a shared vision: to restore the flora and fauna habitat which was destroyed by sand mining in the 1950’s and 1960’s.

Environmental educator and activist Kate McKenzie is the co-founder of Fingal Head Coastcare. For the past 38 years, she has volunteered her time to help re-establish 32 hectares of native vegetation at Fingal Head - including coastal woodland, littoral rainforest, dunal and headland vegetation.

“I looked at the monoculture of Bitou bush and thought, someone should do something about this. Then I thought, I think that someone is me!” says Kate.

*Bitou is the South African plant which was used in the early days of sand dune restoration 1960 -1970s.

*Kate McKenzie shares on the history of Fingal CoastCare.*

Kate’s contribution to her community and her commitment to the regeneration of the headland was recognised in 2023, where she was named Tweed Shire Council 2023 Volunteer of the Year.

Emerging from humble beginnings and a commitment to regeneration, Fingal Head CoastCare now plays a pivotal role within the community, collaboratively providing leadership and support for the enhancement of the environment and working to conserve the history and culture of the area.

As a volunteer run organisation, their impact is no small feat. Over the last 38 years, they have:

Restored 34 hectares of coastal woodlands;
Protected dunes and repaired Fingal Headland erosion;
Expanded and improved habitat for native species, with 245 species of birds now being recorded, compared to an initial 28;
Conducted community environmental education programs.

Ingrained Foundation is proud to invest in and walk alongside organisations such as Fingal Head CoastCare - who are working towards a regenerative and thriving community - on our path to supporting unique systemic transformation. Small grassroots not-for-profits such as this organisation are the glue of the community.

They were a 2023 Grant Recipient, using the funding to restore dilapidated work benches in their nursery and instal an irrigation system.

Find out more about our annual grants round:

Grants