Brushing up the ‘Burgh

A band of local volunteers and businesses will spruce up the centre of Helensburgh in time for the Lions Club Village Fair.

The roundabout opposite the Centennial Hotel will be the initial focus of the group which includes the Lions Club, Sunrise Nursery, Helensburgh Sand & Soil, Binners and Wollongong City Council.

Allan Paterson from First Impressions Homes Services and horticulturalist Lyn Johnson have chosen a variety of low-growing, hardy plants to maintain visibility and reduce maintenance.

The working bee is the brainchild of Northern Illawarra Online director Scott Smith who said the area needed a facelift.

“At the moment we have a very sad looking town and any ‘refreshing’ that has occurred is not even close to the lift required,” Scott said.

He said the roundabout was phase one of the plan with the planter boxes outside the chemist and the dirt patch in front of the Post Office also earmarked for beautification.

Wollongong Council has agreed in principle to fund some of the planting with its gardeners recently filling planter boxes with mulch. Sunrise Nursery is donating the majority of plants with others being sold at wholesale prices.

A planting day is planned for Sunday, 17 October, from 10am. Anyone interested in participating can turn up on the day, phone Scott on 0416 050 049 or visit www.nio.net.au/helensburgh/Roundabout.