THE Anna Bay and Birubi Hall Community Landcare Group (ABBHCLG) are dedicated to improving the environment of the parks in the Anna Bay area.

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While they have been delivering some wonderful outcomes like the new garden at the entrance to Anna Bay opposite the Primary School on Gan Gan Road, many locals may not realise that the parks and gardens are delivered by this group of community volunteers.

On 24 February, the group are holding an open day and working bee at the Birubi Community Hall which will see the volunteers and the local scouts along with members of the community working on improving the gardens around both the community hall and the scout hall.

The day promises to be a great learning experience for families with participants learning about sustainable planting and securing native endemic species in the area.

Carl Boardman Deputy Chairman of the ABBHCLG told News Of The Area, “We have been working on planting koala corridors and ensuring that areas that are replanted will be self sustaining once they are established.”

The group believes that in the regeneration of species that are native to the region the community will see an improved look for many of the parkland areas in Anna Bay.

The goal is to take the regeneration areas back to the original, as it was prior to land clearing and development.

In re-establishing koala habitat the goal is to recreate the layers of the forests which will see other native animals habitats restored as well.

“In holding the open day we are hoping that we can attract some volunteers who may be able to assist in improving the environment of Anna Bay.”

Everyone is welcome at the open day, the group is asking people to come along with sunscreen, a hat and sturdy shoes.

“There will be a free sausage sizzle on the day which is being funded by Hunter Landcare.”

On the horizon for the ABBHCLG is a new shed to store their equipment in which they are currently seeking funding for.

As well as another entrance garden, at the opposite entrance to Anna Bay, to the garden which was planted earlier this year.

The ABBHCLG is a Port Stephens Council 355C committee which also manages the hire of the Birubi Community Hall which is available for private and community events and activities.

“Funds from the hall hire all go back into the local community improvement projects.”

The ABBHCLG are keen to see some new faces join up that can assist with watering plants while they establish themselves, planting and generally improving the local environment.

Many of the plants used by the ABBHCLG have been propagated at the Ngioka Centre at Little Beach.

All projects undertaken by ABBHCLG are first approved by Council and once approved funding is sought.

“If you want projects to go ahead, which are focused on improving the community, creating a better environment and habitat for koalas, and other natives we need people in the Anna Bay community to help,” he said.

The community is encouraged to come along to the open day and see how ABBHCLG are actively engaging with the Scouts to improve the space through the planting of long term sustainable species.

The Scouts and working bee volunteers will be gaining valuable knowledge about local species, the need and ways to prepare soil prior to planting and how to create a sustainable asset.

With the two sites planted with similar species there will be an improved look and feel for the two properties.

The group is giving away 50 native plants at the open day which they are hoping many local families will attend.

Members of the community can share their vision for a better Anna Bay environment through the group who are keen to take on board suggestions of things that would improve the local area.

By Marian SAMPSON