In May 1995 a group of local environmental activists from the Willunga Hillsface Landcare

Group began operating out of a small room at the front of Russel’s Pizza on High Street Willunga.

It was the first shop-front environment centre to operate in South Australia, and one of the first in the whole of Australia.

The Landcare Group was instrumental in forming the Willunga Environment Centre Inc., which is today the leading environmental agency in the Willunga Basin, with a list of proud achievements and projects.

To celebrate their first 30 years, the Centre will hold a gala dinner at Russell’s Pizza in Willunga on 8 May, back where it all started 30 years ago.

There will be plenty of good food and wine, charity raffles, guest speakers and more, with all proceeds going to the Willunga Environment Centre, to fund ongoing projects.

A special, commemorative booklet will be released to honour the occasion and the history.

The Centre is calling on the community to dig out any old photos, historic memorabilia or anecdotes from its early days.

They can be dropped into the Centre at 15 High Street Willunga during office hours, or contact the event coordinator Kerrod Trott via email or on 0412 029 663. 

The Centre is one of eight Natural Resource Centres and Environment Centres funded by Landscapes SA Hills and Fleurieu and Greener Adelaide. It is staffed by volunteers and a part time Manager. 

For information about the Willlunga Environment Centre and its 30th Anniversary celebrations visit the website.