On a beautiful, crisp, drizzly Wombat-season Sunday morning at Watson’s Creek, NRG hosted a meaningful Tree-Planting Day and Website Relaunch event on Wurundjeri country.
This gathering was not only about planting trees but also about deepening our commitment to reconciliation, celebrating the launch of our new website and Facebook page, and fostering a sense of community and connection to the land.
Our President, Jan, opened the event with a warm welcome, setting the tone for the day. She highlighted the significance of the event, emphasising our dual purpose: launching the new digital presence and participating in the tree-planting activity.
Welcome to Country & Smoking Ceremony
Jan introduced Wurundjeri man Daniel Ross, who spoke about his connection to this Country and his experiences, before performing a Welcome to Country and a traditional Smoking Ceremony. This powerful ceremony cleansed the space and connected us all to the land, honouring the Wurundjeri people and their enduring connection to this country.
Launch of Website and Facebook Page
Luke stepped up on behalf of the communications team to unveil our newly redesigned website and Facebook page. He spoke about his personal connection to Gawa and some traits of the echidna we might be inspired from after last year’s referendum result. He also outlined the enhanced features of the new website, which now serves as a comprehensive resource for education, community engagement, and advocacy in our reconciliation efforts. He also highlighted the importance of social media in expanding our reach to the whole community, and fostering a more connected community.
To read more about the goals of the new website and communications plan, you can read Luke’s launch speech here.
Planting Activities
With the website and social media platform launched, the focus shifted to the day’s hands-on activity: planting native trees, shrubs and grasses to regenerate the local environment.
Brad provided a brief but informative session about how our planting connected to the themes of the day, and outlined the working groups and tasks, the types of plants we would be planting, the correct techniques for planting tube stock and some safety rules.
Organising Planting Groups
To streamline the planting process, participants were divided into four groups, each assigned to a specific planting station with a focus on different native species. Each group had a leader who was responsible for guiding and assisting the volunteers:
- Acacia, Stringybark, and Manna Gum Area: Led by Jill.
- Coranderrk Area: Led by Diana.
- Wombat Area: Led by Hilary.
- Kunzea and Lomandra Area: Led by Di.
Each station was equipped with 50 plants, plant protectors, stakes and mallets, ensuring everyone had the necessary tools and resources. Brad circulated among the groups to offer additional advice and answer any questions.
Refreshments and Community Gathering
As the planting activities concluded, participants were treated to a cosy campfire and a table full of delicious home made refreshments, and thermoses of hot drinks, organized by Di, Jan A., Jan Mac, Hilary, Bob, Diana, and Jill. It provided a perfect setting for socialising and reflecting on the day’s activities.
A Successful Day
The Tree-Planting Day and Website Relaunch were a resounding success, bringing together community members to celebrate our shared commitment to reconciliation and environmental stewardship.
The new website and Facebook page will serve as vital tools in our ongoing efforts to educate, engage, and advocate for reconciliation. We look forward to continuing this journey together, inspired by the spirit of the Wurundjeri people and the beautiful country we are privileged to call home.
Photo Gallery
Acknowledgments
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of this event, especially to Wurundjeri man Daniel Ross for his Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, and to all the volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the day memorable.
We also extend our gratitude to the planting group leaders, to Edendale Nursery, to Nillumbik Shire Council and Brad Tadday for their support and assistance with plant stock, equipment and guidance.
Get Involved
If you missed this event, there are plenty of ways to get involved in our reconciliation efforts. Click around our new website, and follow us on Facebook for upcoming events, educational resources, and opportunities to participate.
Together, we are planting the seeds of reconciliation and nurturing a future rooted in respect and understanding.