The crew from Michelin, one of Australia’s largest tyre manufacturers should be proud of themselves for their commitment to helping our planet. Working with the wonderful group at Westgate Biodiversity, they once again joined forces with us to plant 500 native trees, shrubs and grasses at Westgate Park, VIC.

Westgate Biodiversity includes Bili Nursery & Landcare Inc. and is a community-based not-for-profit organisation based at the foot of one of Melbourne’s most iconic and main transport arterials from the West to the city, Westgate Bridge. The organisation not only grows and sells locally indigenous plants, but they also work passionately in transforming Westgate Park into a natural, bush-like place for people of Melbourne to enjoy. The team from Michelin truly helps this aim, with the annual planting of 500 indigenous trees and shrubs.

Westgate Biodiversity along with the Michelin team planted a wide variety of native trees and shrubs at the site. Species included – wattles (Heath, Golden, Lightwood and Coastal), sheoaks (Black, Swamp and Green), saltbushes (Grey and Marsh), correas (White, Smooth and Common) and eucalyptus (River Red Gum, Yellow Gum, Ironbark, Swamp Gum and Manna Gum).

This impressive diversity of plantings will help create a rich and resilient ecosystem. As the species flower and fruit at different times of the year, they will provide a continuous supply of food and shelter for local wildlife – from birds and insects to small mammals. Over time, these plantings will not only enhance the biodiversity of Westgate Park but also ensure it becomes a vibrant, living landscape where both people and nature can thrive side by side.

Writer: Colleen B. Filippa

With a background in Environmental Science (Melbourne Uni), Colleen is the Founding Director of Fifteen Trees. In 2009, after 20 years in 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.