Greater Shepparton City Council would like to thank the community for coming together at Tassiker Reserve, Shepparton on Sunday 26 July 2026 for National Tree Day, with more than 1,500 native plants added to the local environment.
More than 240 people attended the event, taking part in community planting and family-friendly activities while also celebrating 10 years of the One Tree Per Child program in Greater Shepparton.
Greater Shepparton has proudly participated in Planet Ark's National Tree Day since 2000. Over the past 26 years, thousands of native plants have been added to the local environment through the efforts of dedicated community members.
The day recognised the impact of One Tree Per Child across the region. Greater Shepparton City Council is proud to support the program, which began at Tassiker Reserve in 2016 and has helped local schools, families, volunteers, community groups, Landcare partners and Council plant for a greener future.
Tassiker Reserve has played a special role in the program's journey. It was the site of the first local One Tree Per Child community planting event and the location where the 100,000th plant was celebrated in 2022.
This year, Greater Shepparton will celebrate becoming the first council in the world to plant 200,000 plants through the One Tree Per Child program.
The planting effort is especially important, with Greater Shepparton retaining only around 2 per cent of its original native vegetation. The plants added on the day included local species such as daisies, lilies, saltbush, eucalypts and wattles.
Alongside planting, attendees enjoyed a free BBQ, native plant giveaways, native bee hotel building with Clancy Lester from Bees and Blossoms, wildlife demonstrations with Bohollow Wildlife Shelter, Minibeasts with Goulburn Murray Landcare Network, and giant games including Snakes and Ladders, Connect 4 and Jenga.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali said the event was a strong example of community action and care for the local environment.
"National Tree Day is a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to get outdoors, connect with nature and make a real difference," he said.
"This year was especially significant as we celebrated 10 years of One Tree Per Child in Greater Shepparton. Every person who planted, volunteered, supported or attended helped add to the success of a program that will continue to grow habitat, shade and greener spaces for years to come."
Cr Anthony Brophy, Kialla Ward, said it was great to see the community come together at Tassiker Reserve.
"It was fantastic to see so many people out planting, learning and taking part in National Tree Day. There was a great community feel on the day, with families, volunteers, partners and Council staff all working together to help plant for the future," he said.
"It was also special to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of One Tree Per Child at Tassiker Reserve, where the program began locally in Greater Shepparton in 2016."
Wendy D'Amore from Shepparton Mooroopna Urban Landcare Group said the group was proud to support National Tree Day and the ongoing success of One Tree Per Child in Greater Shepparton.
"National Tree Day is a wonderful way for the community to come together and take practical action for the local environment," she said.
"Shepparton Mooroopna Urban Landcare Group is proud to support this event and help continue the important work of restoring local habitat, improving biodiversity and encouraging people of all ages to care for our native spaces."
"It is great to see the One Tree Per Child program reach 10 years in Greater Shepparton. We hope the community keeps getting involved so these planting sites continue to grow and thrive for years to come."
A certificate of appreciation was also presented to Shepparton-Mooroopna Urban Landcare Group on the day, acknowledging the group's dedication, knowledge and volunteer contributions to the One Tree Per Child program and National Tree Day.
Council encourages residents, schools, community groups and local organisations to continue supporting future planting days and environmental programs across Greater Shepparton.
To learn more about National Tree Day and the One Tree Per Child program in Greater Shepparton, visit our National Tree Day web page.
