Volunteers gave away about 300 koala food trees and native shrubs to people attending the Myall Lakes Festival.

Great Lakes Council gave Myall Koala and Environment Group about 300 seedlings of trees liked by koalas and 150 native bush plants to attract birds and these were gratefully received by people with properties and gardens mainly in the Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest area, but some from as far away as Newcastle.

The trees ranged from swamp mahogany and dwarf red gum, the preferred koala food trees plus rainforest shrubs and native plants.

Myall Koala and Environment Group shared a stall with the local Bitou Busters and Land for Wildlife. They gave advice, handed out leaflets and encouraged people to report koala sightings.

Kim the Big Koala was a huge success with children and adults alike, who enjoyed having their photos taken. The group also enrolled a number of new members.

The Bitou Busters noticeboard was there explaining who they are with their website address and encouraging public awareness of this local environmental group by giving information on the invasive asparagus weed.

Land For Wildlife, who assist property owners with the maintenance of wildlife habitats, had their sign, information leaflets and expression of interest forms.

It was a good day for everyone to be more aware of their environment and to help the bush and wildlife to survive and grow.