One of the Millicent-based community groups to be least affected by the COVID-19 restrictions was the Friends of Beachport and Canunda Parks.

Due to the outdoor location of their voluntary work, the compulsory shut-down lasted only three months.

The weekly working bees in the coastal parks were suspended due to the pandemic in March and resumed in June.

Friends chairman Mike Bleby said there had since been a productive time.

“Our weekly working bees since have achieved a wide variety of works when the weather allowed,” Mr Bleby said.

“We have been repairing fences on four-wheel-drive tracks through the parks, weeding and removing pest plants and maintaining walking trails, campsites, picnic areas and lookouts.

“The annual March in May event for 200 primary school students unfortunately was cancelled due to the pandemic.

“We stand ready to hold the event once again when the opportunity returns.

“The March in May continues to be one of the great fitness and environmental educational events our group can do for the youth in our region and it makes the Canunda National Park more well known.

“During the year we successfully obtained a Wattle Range Council Community Assistance Grant which enabled us to replace a heavy-duty brush cutter.

“Our appreciation especially goes to National Parks ranger Glenn Jackway and his staff for the continuing great working relationship that we have.”