The grant of $1000 will be used to stage an event in Long Beach to promote community awareness and appreciation of the local environment and its care.

Long Beach Landcare secretary Margaret Browning said the event would include indigenous input by Roderick Slockee, who would explain the past heritage of the area and how it was managed, as well as bush tucker and crafts.

“The council and Local Land Services will also be taking part in the event with identification of local weeds and eradication methods being demonstrated,” Margaret said.

“It is hoped children and families will bring weeds to swap for native plants and also be challenged by an observation trail and quiz.”

The event is planned for the afternoon of Sunday, September 14.

Margaret said Long Beach Landcare was a small group of keen volunteers who endeavoured to maintain weed-free areas along Cullendulla Creek, the wetlands and sand dunes.

“They feel privileged to have been awarded this grant,” she said.

“Recent working bees have been eradicating asparagus fern infestations along the hind dunes and wetland areas of Long Beach.”