When the family moved to Boolaroo from Cairns three years ago, their backyard was bare with just a few plants.

With a little help from Lake Macquarie council's Backyard Habitat for Wildlife program, they transformed their backyard into a sanctuary for native fauna.

They installed garden beds and planted native plants and herbs.

The garden now attracts rosellas, lorikeets and cockatoos.

Last week the McCraws had their first visit from a ringtail possum.

Mother Karen said the program had helped the family build the garden they had always wanted.

"When we moved here, having just bought a house, landscaping wasn't in our budget," she said.

"But you don't need any money to join the program, and it gave us the start-up we needed.

"We wanted to help rejuvenate the area and the best place to start is in your own backyard."

The McCraw household is one of 1400 across Lake Macquarie to participate in the program that helps residents rejuvenate, reshape or repurpose their gardens to support native fauna.

The program's aim is to create a wildlife-friendly habitat that gives animals somewhere to shelter.

Residents who sign up for the program receive two free native plants, a planting guide, discounts on native plants and invitations to free workshops.

For more information go to lakemac.com.au or phone 4921 0333.