Di and Brad Stranbrook from G.J. Gardner Homes Mildura are generous supporters of local community groups, and their tree planting projects. This year Di, Brad and their team purchased 750 native trees for the local region. Since 2013, they have sponsored the planting of over 7,000 native trees.

Local Landcare groups determine the best tree species for the region. The seedlings themselves are grown by local independent nurseries who have collected seed from the region by hand. The sites that have been planted in the past have included nature reserves, parklands, roadsides, school grounds, riverbanks & rural properties. This year, Di and Brad’s trees were planted at 2 sites in Central and Western Victoria.

Site A | Bendigo, VIC | 630 trees

To celebrate National Tree Day, Bendigo and Maryborough Girl Guides, their leaders and families headed to the Huntly Streamside Reserve (Dja Dja Wurrung Country) to plant trees, with the assistance of the Northern Bendigo Landcare Group. This was all made possible through the generous sponsorship of G.J. Gardner Homes Mildura.

While on site, the girls learnt about the history, threats and assets of the reserve and why the local Landcare group cares so much about it. After an introduction on the importance of indigenous species and a quick planting demonstration, the girls set to work. The pre-drilled holes made things easier and they soon got into a good rhythm.  Over two hours the girls, aged between 6 and 15 worked tirelessly in good spirits. They loved hammering in the stakes as they guarded plants. Not a complaint!

It was a delight to have the group on site. We have encouraged them to return to this lovely area of public land in future to check on their plants. Thanks to G.J. Gardner Mildura for the plants, allowing this memorable experience to be provided for the Girl Guides.

The quote of the morning was, ‘Mum, I just realised I LOVE planting trees. Can we fill our whole back yard with them?’

Nicole Howie | Facilitator | Northern Bendigo Landcare

The trees and shrubs planted will provide under-storey to the existing eucalypts at the site, help restore indigenous vegetation and showcase the beautiful native vegetation to not only locals, but also to the many visitors who visit.

Site B | Mallee District | 120 trees

G.J. Gardner prides itself on being a practical, hands-on family affair, and in past years staff have happily gone out with their local community to plant their trees themselves. Local Landcare groups determine the best tree species for the site. The seedlings themselves are often grown by local independent nurseries who have collected seed from the region by hand.

G.J. Gardner’s core business is building homes. Safe, secure places for families to grow and thrive for many years to come. We love that alongside this G.J. Gardner is planting forests, which is very much the same thing; safe, secure places for fauna and flora to grow and thrive for many years to come.

Thank you Di and Brad for your continued support of our tree planting projects in the north western region of the state.

If you would like to know more about sponsoring community tree planting projects and how we can assist you in becoming a more sustainable business, please contact Colleen at <[email protected]>.

Writer: Colleen Filippa

With a background in Environmental Science, Colleen is the Founding Director of Fifteen Trees. In 2009, after 20 years in primary, secondary and tertiary education institutions, Colleen left the classroom to start the company. Fifteen Trees is a social enterprise assisting individuals and companies to reduce their carbon footprint by supporting community groups such as Landcare, schools and environmental networks.