The association was formed in 1993 and looks after an area of just under 15 hectares on the foreshores of Port Stephens between Tanilba and Mallabula. Thousands of volunteer hours have gone into projects in the Tilligerry habitat; it is an amazing local community venture.
The site is being restored after the damage caused by mineral extraction some 30 years ago. It has a large diversity of fauna and flora, with delightful existing and evolving sectors coming into play. Throughout the project, ownership by the community of the Tilligerry habitat has been central to the goals of the association. The Straw Bale House consists of bales placed between two timber plates, held together by strands of wire that are tightened to give the top plate a level sufficient to allow for the placement of the roofing timbers. Bird wire was spread over the walls externally and internally, and then cement plastered with an earthen red ochre. The effect is quite outstanding. The wall is the width of a straw bale. The construction is cool in summer and warm in winter with the help of a little heating. It has become the storage area for other projects on the Tilligerry habitat.
