Endeavour disability service clients used to be involved in the propagation of plants alongside the volunteers while the service received government funding.

Stiffer competition under the NDIS and mounting costs prompted council to withdraw support for for the disability services but the volunteers remain on site to grow the plants.

“As long as council provides the gear we’ll supply the plants,” volunteer coordinator Bob Lisle said.

“All we need is a bit of notice when people want their plants.”

The volunteers grow the natives from seed stock and occasionally propagate seeds.

“It’s been nearly 20 years since I first started,” Beverley Wells said.

The Nelson Bay woman is one of the Friday Ngioka Volunteer group.

“I enjoy the company and it’s just a beautiful spot,” she said.

Mr Lisle hit back at one media report that the centre was doomed.

“We’re definitely not in turmoil,” Mr Lisle said.

“While ever we have the resources we’ll keep doing the job.”

The council's public domain and services section manager Peter Matwijow said the 355c committees had placed orders for 3000 plants by November.

"Council is extremely proud of the way that staff and volunteers have handled the transition at the Ngioka Centre, and the way they continue to actively propagate plants for a variety of Council and 355c committee projects,” he said.

"It's clear to see the close knit groups of volunteers are continuing to enjoy the socialisation and satisfaction they gain from their wonderful community contribution.”

The plants are provided free of charge which Mr Matwijow said would free up additional funds for committees to spend on other aspects of their projects.

"Council's park staff have also initiated a refurbishment of the Ngioka grounds and are also reorganising a nursery space at Medowie,” he said.

“Volunteer groups will be able to tend to a stock of plants there that can be used for replacement plantings and ensure easier access for committees to plant supplies in the western areas of the LGA.”