Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Thursday, 13 July, 2017. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

One Tree Per Child Project Officially Launched

Planting a tree is often a child’s first act of volunteering for the benefit of our entire community. It can empower children to realise that they can make a personal difference for our community and our local environment. One Tree Per Child was founded by Olivia Newton-John and Jon Dee and builds on the highly successful National Tree Day.

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Dinny Adem said “One Tree per Child will provide opportunities for every child in Greater Shepparton to plant a native plant for the benefit of the community and the environment. This is a fabulous opportunity for children to get outside and plant some trees for their future. Then they can look back at them in years to come recognising they have planted these great trees in Greater Shepparton”.

“Greater Shepparton has 16,664 people aged under 18 children so Council has committed to facilitate a native plant to be planted for each child, every year for five years (2017-2021). Majority of the species planted will be indigenous shrubs and groundcovers that have been largely cleared from our region. The aim is to restore woodland species to provide habitat for woodland birds and other native fauna” said Cr Adem.

Greater Shepparton City Council is partnering with as many schools, kindergartens, childcare centres, Landcare groups, local businesses and community groups help to achieve these goals.

Council has arranged for ten planting sites across the municipality to host community group, business and school planting events. Sites have been prepared in Shepparton, Mooroopna, Tatura, Dookie, Kialla Lakes, Seven Creeks and Arcadia. Sunday planting events have been scheduled from 16 July at Kialla Lakes to 13 August at Seven Creeks. A list of all planting dates and locations is available on the council website.

Tassicker Reserve has been a community planting location for the last few years which will enable attendees at the launch to see firsthand what has can be achieved. Attendees of the planting sites are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes, gardening gloves and appropriate clothing so they can plant an indigenous shrub or two after the speeches.

It is anticipated that plantings will continue to occur until the end of August. Local schools, childcare centers, LandCare groups, local businesses and community groups can still contact Council to get involved in the 2017 planting season or to share ideas on partnership opportunities in future years to make Greater Shepparton a cleaner, greener community.

Let’s plant a tree for every child and enjoy watching the trees grow as our children grow.

Please contact Council on 5832 9700 to discuss this exciting project further or check out the Council website at greatershepparton.com.au for more information.