Design and fabrication company Like Butter is based in Castlemaine. Ran and owned by very talented folk – industrial designer Jem Selig Freeman and sculptor Laura Woodward, they continue to support our community projects by purchasing and planting 500 native trees.

Like Butter has gained a reputation for its approach to design and fabrication that is based on flexible and lateral thinking, strong aesthetics and considered detailing, in order to achieve the simplest and most effective solutions for the project at hand.

From its own furniture and lighting products, to one-off commissions for significant design and fabrication projects, to public art installations, through to film and animation production. The common thread? Learning through play, and ‘just making stuff’. This has resulted in exquisite shelving, storage solutions, plant stands, vinyl record storage, desks, tables, and more. The team have a real flair for combining design and practicalities.

To lead the shift towards a circular economy by redefining sustainable manufacturing, empowering people to make ethical choices, and inspiring businesses to prioritise the health of our planet and its people.

Jem Selig Freeman | Director | Like Butter

Mt Rothwell, VIC | 500 trees | 2025

Mt Rothwell sits on the Victorian Volcanic Plains, the third largest basalt plain in the world. Sadly, less than 1% of this unique ecosystem remains today. At 473 hectares, Mt Rothwell is Victoria’s largest feral predator-free sanctuary. Foxes and cats were eradicated over a decade ago, paving the way for the safe return of vulnerable native species.

It was here, that the crew from Like Butter showed up to help with a revegetation project. At Mt Rothwell, habitat restoration is ongoing and includes extensive weed control and revegetation. Recent planting along an old creek bed by Like butter will help reduce erosion and create essential habitat for local wildlife. Today, Mt Rothwell plays a vital role in recovery programs for the Eastern Barred Bandicoot, Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby, Eastern Quoll, and the Spiny Rice Flower.

Balliang, VIC | 500 trees | 2023

In early July, we travelled to Balliang, VIC with the team from Like Butter to plant their 500 native trees. These trees are crucial to the local terrain, mountains, rivers and flora/fauna in the Brisbane Ranges. Over time, a wildlife corridor with the trees, will be created for native animals to travel safely between the adjoining National Park to the numerous native reserves in the district. The trees were selected to promote beneficial insects and pollinators. To also promote biodiversity, over 20 species of trees indigenous to the district were planted. Trees such as; Hedge Wattle, Drooping Sheoak, Silver Banksia, River Red Gum, Yellow Box and Gum, Grey Box, Messmate, Red Box and Manna Gum.

It was fabulous to join Like Butter to plant the trees, meet the team and personally thank them for their generous support. People Care and Planet Care in action.

Like Butter’s extensive commitment to good environmental and worker practice is to be admired. The company champions the following ethics:

• Pledging to achieve zero waste via various goals, including carbon-neutral manufacturing.
• Proudly using locally sourced, Australian-grown Hoop Pine and responsibly managed hardwoods.
• Progressively incorporating more reclaimed timber, lessening reliance on virgin stock.
• Advocating the ‘People Before Profit’ movement, whereby all staff only work a 4-day week.

If you are interested in how your business could also support our community planting projects contact Colleen at [email protected]

Writer – Lou Ridsdale

She is a green thumb, Earth Lover, big-hearted nature freak, plus a savvy media and horticulture expert, who passionately believe that everyone can lead a more nourishing and sustainable life. Her passion for education + communication being the most empowering tool for change is reflected in her setting up her side hustle Hey Hoe Let’s Grow. She also founded Food Is Free Inc., a unique grassroots food security platform specialising in food security education. She fell in love with trees after reading The Magic Faraway Tree as a child. You can find Lou here