On Sunday October 20th, a small group of people weathered the weather and met up on a cold spring morning under the Westgate Bridge to go tree planting. The group consisted of Raveena Grace, her auntie (Vinita from Bhumi Organic Cotton) and uncle, an adorable cousin Shyla, her mother, brother and her grandparents (Hari and Narinda Chopra). Along with the Grace Family, were Melissa and Charlie, both myself and Albert from Fifteen Trees, Barbara and Nel, Mollie and Gabby from Day Seven and Grace’s friend Chris Dixon.

The trees (and shrubs and grasses) we planted were generously purchased for Westgate Park by Raveena’s grandparents, Hari and Narinda. These 600 trees represent the 6 grandchildren of the Grace family. One hundred trees per grandchild. What a beautiful legacy!

Thank you Raveena for pulling us all together to go tree planting. A special thank you also to Tony Flude, George Fotheringham and their team from Westgate Biodiversity who manage Westgate Park. The founder of the Park, 19 year old Naomie Sunner, discovered the Park back in 1999. She thought this neglected, abandoned park – the closest she could get to the river mouth – was nonetheless beautiful and had such potential! When she realised that there was no-one looking after the Park, she started her own group called Friends of Westgate Park. Both Tony and George were 2 early members.

Twenty years later it is wonderful to see all the new vegetation in the Park and the return of the native plants and animals. In particular the water birds. While we were there on Sunday we spotted swans and their signets. Spring is here!

Like Naomie, I can see Raveena also making a positive impact on our environment. Loving the planet and taking a leadership role within the environmental movement. I shall be watching this woman closely!

Sláinte – Colleen

Colleen Filippa is the Founder and Director of Fifteen Trees. This year, Fifteen Trees celebrates 10 years. To be part of the movement of people looking to make a tangible contribution to our community groups and our native environment, contact Colleen at <[email protected]> or on 0400 040 659.