For the members of the Carrington Parade Bushcare group, cleaning up a section of Blackbutt Reserve feels like they are cleaning up a part of their own homes.

The group formed about nine years ago after residents who live at New Lambton’s Carrington Parade noticed people dumping rubbish around the reserve.

The group meets twice a month for about six hours of weeding and planting at the Carrington Parade and Croudace Street sites.

Bushcare coordinator Katherine Antstey said she joined the group because she wanted the reserve cleaned up.

“I’ve lived in this street all my life, Blackbutt was always important to me, I see it as an extension to my backyard,” Mrs Antstey said.

With the help of Newcastle City Council’s Greening Centre, the group – now with six members, cleaned up and improved the area.

Weeds such as lantana were removed from the reserve and native vegetation was planted.

“We planted indigenous plants and native trees.

“We were also trying to encourage some of the wildlife to come back to this area.”

The hard work this group of retired New Lambton residents did not go unrecognised and they received the commendation award at Newcastle City Council’s Volunteer Recognition Ceremony on Australia Day, January 26.

Mrs Antstey said it was good to be recognised.

“I’m very proud of the group, they are all special people and it’s nice to know volunteers are appreciated for all the work they do.”

More Novocastrians recognised

Other recipients of the Newcastle City Council Australia Day awards were: Marcus Westbury – 2010 Citizen of the Year; Louise Mackay – Young Citizen of the Year and the Newcastle local organising committee of the Engineering and Science Challenge – Community Group of the Year Award.