A Tree-Mendous Turnout For National Tree Day!

Young environmental champions celebrated 30 years of National Tree Day, with students from 11 schools helping restore local habitat at Glenfields Park. Photo credit: Hannah Mcnamara‍Mackay’s next generation of environmental champions have helped grow a greener future, celebrating 30 years of National Tree Day with a record-breaking community effort. More than 417 students from 11 schools across the region joined the Schools Tree Day celebrations at Glenfields Park, followed by a community planting day that saw thousands of native plants added to the landscape. In total, 3,708 locally grown tubestock plants were set to be planted, helping restore important waterways and native habitat. With almost 6000 plants already established over the past two years, Mackay’s ongoing partnership with Conservation Volunteers Australia and Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal continues to leave a lasting legacy for generations to enjoy. ‍A Tree-Mendous Turnout For National Tree Day! Australia's largest nature care event, National Tree Day, celebrated its 30th anniversary last Friday, July 24th, at Glenfields Park on Wheeler Drive, Glenella. The Schools Tree Day event brought together students from across the Mackay region, followed by a community planting day on Sunday, where residents were invited to take part. Since 1996, volunteers across Australia have contributed more than 10 million hours planting trees, restoring habitat and gaining a deeper understanding of their natural environment. Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said National Tree Day and Schools Tree Day were a great way for the community to have a lasting positive impact on the environment. “Over the last two years, our local school students and community members have planted almost 6000 tubestock plants in the area, expanding the width of riparian vegetation and restoring the health of this important urban waterway,” he said. “It’s incredibly valuable for the community to be able to clearly see the impact of the previous work and the ongoing commitment to improving the area.” This year's event marked the 17th year of partnership between Mackay Regional Council, Conservation Volunteers Australia and long-standing corporate partner Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal. More than 417 students from 11 schools across the region took part in the celebrations. Councillor Anne Baker said the milestone event highlighted the community's ongoing commitment to the environment, with students helping create a lasting legacy through tree planting. “It’s such a beautiful story of tree planting and the environment.” She said seeing so many young people involved was one of the highlights of the day. “There’s over 11 schools from across the region and they’ve come from all parts of the region, which is really a credit to them.” Across the Schools Tree Day event and the public National Tree Day activities on Sunday, 3,708 native tubestock plants were set to be planted. The seedlings were grown from local Goosepond Creek stock, creating a strong connection to the region's natural environment. “It’s a real nostalgia,” Cr Baker said, describing the project's connection to the local area and the generations of students returning to see the trees they planted grow. The event also showcased the enthusiasm of local students, including school leaders and environmental groups eager to contribute to the region's future. Holy Spirit College Mackay students Lachlan Thompson and Olivia Pearce said planting trees was one of the many ways students give back to the community. “It’s definitely great to see a lot of people out here planting trees today,” Lachlan said. Olivia noted that she was, “Looking forward to the future, and coming back to this site and seeing all the trees big and strong and flourishing.” The students also highlighted their school's environmental initiatives, including recycling container programs and participation in Clean Up Australia Day. At St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School, teacher Hayley Saye, who runs the school's Earthcare Club, said students had enjoyed being part of the event for several years. “It’s just amazing here. It’s good to come back and see our contribution to the community.” Students were also encouraged to learn about local species, with some taking part as “tree detectives” identifying native plants throughout the day. For young environmental advocates like St Francis Xavier student Ava Jacob, the experience was about protecting the planet for future generations. “It feels like taking care of the earth, and making sure all the animals get to live – which is really good.” ‍‍