Benalla digs deep on National Tree Day

Published on 13 August 2024

National Tree Day on Sunday 28 July proved to be a huge success in Benalla Rural City, with over 45 volunteers planting more than 300 native trees and shrubs at Psaltis Reserve.

Organised by Benalla Rural City Council in partnership with the Regent Honeyeater Project, residents of all ages planted native shrubs and trees to mark the national day.

Mayor of Benalla Rural City Council, Cr Danny Claridge said the community response was fantastic, with the turnout on the day a credit to the community’s appreciation and understanding for our natural environment.

“A big thank you to everyone who attended our National Tree Day celebration on Sunday. It was great to get outdoors, get our hands dirty and celebrate this important day with the community.

“Overall, we planted more than 300 native plants including indigenous varieties at the site, which will create diverse habitat for a range of native fauna and birds.

“Council will continue to spread the importance of maintaining and enhancing the environment for our native wildlife and to ensure our region is a great place to live,’ Cr Claridge said.

Volunteers on the day were privileged to have members of the Regent Honeyeater Project providing expert advice and assisting with the planting.

The Regent Honeyeater Project has become one of the most vibrant volunteer conservation initiatives in Australia. Over the past 25 years, this project has safeguarded and planted more than 2,460 hectares of habitat.

National Tree Day was founded in 1996 and has since grown into Australia’s largest community tree planting and nature protection event. Since its launch there has been 27 million trees planted across Australia, with five million volunteers donating a total of 10 million hours.

National Tree Day is an initiative organised by Planet Ark in partnership with major sponsor Toyota Australia.