Murrindindi Shire's 2025 National Tree Day (NTD) celebrations have been a huge success, despite some rain delays, with 3,861 native trees, shrubs, and grasses planted across ten sites between 19 July and 24 August.
While the official Day fell on Sunday 27 July, local activities were spread out over several weeks to accommodate school calendars, volunteer availability and the weather. NTD for schools took place on Friday 25 July, with students rolling up their sleeves to plant alongside teachers, Landcare members and Council staff.
This year's planting began at Thornton Recreation Reserve on 19 July and continued across the Shire in Alexandra, Buxton, Eildon, Flowerdale, Yea and Yarck. Across all the events, more than 200 students, teachers, community volunteers and Landcare members contributed their time and energy to improve biodiversity, stabilise soil and provide essential habitat for wildlife. Students demonstrated impressive teamwork and dedication, gaining valuable hands-on experience and will be able to watch on with pride as their plants grow.
Murrindindi Shire Council would like to thank all community members who took part, Upper Goulburn Landcare Network, Cathedral Landcare, Flowerdale Landcare, Home Creek Spring Creek Landcare, Leckie Park/UT Creek Landcare, Yea Primary School, Yea Sacred Heart Primary School, Alexandra Primary School, St Mary's Primary School and Yea High School for their efforts and dedication. Special thanks go to Chris Coburn from Upper Goulburn Landcare Network and their Youth Programs' Zanni Waldstein and Leigh Redding for coordinating with schools, and to Alex Jones, Cam Patterson and Andrew Storie for site preparation and planting support.
Murrindindi Shire Council Sustainability and Assets Portfolio Cr Sue Carpenter said, "National Tree Day is a wonderful example of how small actions, taken together, can make a big impact. These efforts benefit our environment, foster goodwill and provide invaluable educational experiences for our young leaders of tomorrow. We are grateful to the numerous volunteers whose dedication makes our landscapes healthier for generations to come."
Volunteers at National Tree Day events and Council's Nominate Your Favourite Street Tree were part of a random draw on 18 August, with three winners from across Murrindindi each receiving a $40 voucher for a local supermarket. Winners included a National Tree Day Talk attendee in Yea, and volunteers from tree planting events in Alexandra and Thornton.
Pictured (above): Planting event at Old Josephine Cutting in Alexandra.
Pictured: Planting at Thornton Recreation Reserve.
Pictured: Planting at Boundary Creek with Yea High School.
Pictured: Planting at UT Creek in Alexandra with St Mary's Primary School and Alexandra Primary School.
Pictured: Planting at Boundary Creek Boulevard with students and staff from Sacred Heart and Yea primary schools.
Pictured: Planting event at Eildon Pondage with Eildon Landcare Group.
Pictured: Planting at South Cathedral Lane with Cathedral Landcare Group.
