Volunteers turn out for 10 years of community planting

Despite overnight rain and a cold and windy morning, a loyal band of community members rugged up to volunteer their services at the 10th annual Community Planting Day in The Narrows car park, held on Sunday 29 July 2018.

The 40 community planters included members of the Swan Bay Environment Association and the full membership of the Queenscliffe Rotary Club, and there were so many hands on deck that more plants were required to make work for them.

Borough of Queenscliffe Mayor, Cr Susan Salter, represented Council at the event and was full of praise for the efforts of the volunteers, some of whom have attended every Community Planting Day held at The Narrows site.

“Please take a few moments to reflect on 10 years of community planting, your contribution and the difference you all make. It is significant in so many ways, both now and into the future,” said Cr Salter.

“Your generosity contributes to a community culture of giving. It conserves the health of our local environment, which contributes to the health of the nation. So please, give yourselves a big pat on the back.”

Cr Salter also thanked the Bellarine Catchment Network and the Swan Bay Environment Association for their ongoing support of the event, with special congratulations to Matt Crawley, Program Manager, Bellarine Catchment Network and Caring For Our Bay.

“Matt has made a massive contribution to land care and management across our region over a long period of time,” said Cr Salter.

“We are deeply appreciative of his work.”

At the anniversary event, volunteers planted 350 plants from 20 different species of groundcover, mid-level shrubs and overstorey plants, and removed weeds and litter from The Narrows car park and surrounding coastal moonah woodland.

Cr Salter unveiled a commemorative sign provided by Council to acknowledge the 10-year anniversary of community involvement in the maintenance of The Narrows site.

The 10th annual Community Planting Day was hosted in celebration of National Tree Day by the Bellarine Catchment Network and the Swan Bay Environment Association, supported by the Borough of Queenscliffe. Indigenous plants were provided by the Queenscliff Community Indigenous Nursery.