Twenty years ago the volunteers set about the regeneration of land that had been extensively sand mined at Tanilba Bay. 

Now, the Tilligerry Habitat Association is a finalist in the NSW-ACT Regional Achievement and Community Awards. Association president Fran Corner said it was unlikely a government department could have transformed the site like she had witnessed volunteers do.

“This was dedication, by lots of people,” she said.

“It’s interesting the [diverse] people who have tied themselves to the cause.”

The site includes a visitor information centre and it is believed the immediate surrounds were once swamp.

The volunteers had to make the best of what was left so they’ve helped reestablish native flora and habitat for wildlife like bandicoots and echidnas. A network of pathways wind their way through the swamp forest enjoyed by nearby residents who frequently walk their to clear their minds. International tourists share those paths for even a koala glimpse. 

“You’ll say to someone, ‘I’m sorry you didn’t see a koala today’,” Mrs Corner said.

“They’ll reply, ‘that’s okay, I was walking through here the other day and I saw one, and the time before I saw two’.”

The understorey itself is lush with native blade and kangaroo grasses that form part of the preservation effort. Since European settlement these species have receded into uninhabited corners, chased by invasive buffalo and couch.

“There are some days where I would rather be faced with lantana. Buffalo can be really hard to weed out,” Mrs Corner said.

The reserve has received grants worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and even benefited from various workforce readiness programs like the Green Army.

These workers tend to flourish just as much as the reserve itself.

“Sometimes its the case that you have to go bush to find yourself,” Mrs Corner said.

The NSW/ACT Regional Achievement and Community Awards acknowledge the valuable contributions of individuals, communities and businesses in regional areas.

The winners will be announced November 11.