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 705 native trees for the local region. Since 2013, they have helped support the planting of 5,595 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 by The Millewa Carwarp Landcare Group along with local landcare families, schools and kindergartens in the Sunraysia District.

The main species chosen for the district were Black Box, Red Flowering Ironbark, Bottle Brush and Melaleuca. Over time, the trees will create wildlife corridors on local farms as well as enhance the school yards. The local schools and kinders used the plants to educate the children about native species. One school incorporated their tree planting day with Naidoc week.

On behalf of our community, we would like to thank G.J. Gardner Homes and the Fifteen Trees Community Program for the opportunity to learn, teach and support native revegetation in our area.

Annette Lambert | Facilitator | Millewa Carwarp Landcare Group

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

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.