Yooralla customers participate in National Tree Day

A group of Yooralla clients from the Leongatha Community Hub helped plant 85 native trees as part of National Tree Day this year.

Nine Yooralla clients, supported by Yooralla staff, joined the local community to plant the trees along Tidal River in Wilsons Promontory National Park.

Yooralla client Craig, who participated in the event, said he really enjoyed the day.

“It was a great day because it was pretty good planting the trees, especially putting the fertiliser and the water gel jelly in the holes. It was good to dig the holes, put the trees in, and put the dirt back,” he said.

National Tree Day is Australia's largest community tree-planting and nature care event. It aims to inspire people to actively care for Australia’s unique land.

Jem Milkins, Leongatha Community Hub’s Assistant Service Leader, said the day is a great opportunity to do something positive for the local environment and community and also to reconnect with nature.

“We planted trees for about an hour and half and then had a BBQ lunch where some of the park rangers came by to chat. A highlight was feeding some of the rosellas at the Promontory. Everyone had a lot of fun,” she said.

In recognition of their efforts, all participants received posters with native baby animals and a certificate to say they planted trees as part of National Tree Day.

Since National Tree Day started in 1996, more than 4 million people have planted over 24 million trees and plants.

Yooralla has Community Hubs across Victoria, where adults with disability can receive the support they require, meet new friends and get out in their local community, all while learning new skills.