The 2026 Deep Cove 'Working Weekend' Crew
Deep Cove Working Bee Weekend Wrap‑Up
It was another well‑oiled working bee weekend, proudly continuing the tradition, which Paul Goffin began during his year as President in 2016.
Our Club connections with Deep Cove started in 1978 with Club President Ray Rankin spearheading fundraising efforts to support the rebuilding of the Deep Cove Outdoor Education Trust Hostel.
Now almost 50 years on, our Club remains proud to continue our community partnership with Deep Cove Outdoor Education Trust. The annual working bee in at the Hostel kicks off our Club service projects for the 2026 calendar year.
Mike McManus from the Deep Cove Trust joined us, and we were met by Deep Cove hostel manager Billy Williams at West Arm.
After everyone scrambled for rooms and settled in, Billy outlined the weekend’s tasks, to keep the team busy.
Key jobs included:
- Removing and reinstalling spouting in a particularly tight spot
- Painting the woodwork on buildings including the hostel
- Installing flashing to cover the concrete foundation behind the hostel
Meanwhile, Alice and Trish kept the kitchen humming—serving gourmet meals all weekend and regularly debating the eternal question:
Do we have enough food, or far too much? - More bacon for breakfasts required next year!
The weather was close to perfect, with just a little rain on Friday afternoon and barely any wind—ideal for sandflies, who were very enthusiastic helpers.
Every job allocated was completed, along with a bit of extra cleaning in the hostel building.
Anu and his family joined us for the first time, along with Alice’s neighbour Kelvin.
Fishing anyone? - Billy organised fishing for anyone that wanted to go on Saturday afternoon where Inoka caught her first fish!
A few of the group managed to get around to the Helena Falls for a walk.
Another year’s work done and dusted. Looking forward to coming together again for our 2027 working bee!
Photos from the 2026 Deep Cove Working Weekend are planned to be shared at the Tuesday 10th February Meeting.
Article Words: Alice Pottinger
Photo: Ross Wensley