Brother-sister duo Hugh and Jacinta Sharp have been volunteering with the Port Macquarie Landcare group since before they were born, but insist they would not have it any other way.

“We have been helping on Landcare sites for as long as we can remember,” Jacinta said.

“In the beginning we had to be there because mum was, but for a long time now it has certainly been our choice to continue and I know we both love knowing we are helping our local environment.

“For me it has also opened my eyes and mind so when I have toured Australia I have appreciated our native flora and fauna more.”

“I like being outdoors and helping in the garden and I also like learning new skills so volunteering with Landcare is a good option for me,” Hugh said.

“I also volunteer with the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital which also keeps me busy.”

While the pair have only officially been volunteering for five years neither has any plans to stop.

“I am 16 so I’ve got a few more years of school yet but my end goal would be to work in Antarctica researching all the different animals,” Hugh said.

“I just think that would be really cool as a job.”

“I am just finishing year 12 so I am hoping to study environmental science at university and eventually work in plant development to find more sustainable ways of preserving flora,” Jacinta said.

“I love being in the bush and hopefully I can make a difference in the long run.”