Nicholson Construction’s long-standing presence in Victoria is a testament to the company’s consistent delivery of quality work, strong regional investment, and deep commitment to community relationships. Their extensive project portfolio is not the result of chance, but of a company culture built on trust, reliability and genuine engagement. Since 2019, Fifteen Trees has proudly planted 2,000 native trees on Nicholson Construction’s behalf, supporting their ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility.

The Nicholson name has been synonymous with quality construction across Victoria for more than 120 years, and its legacy continues to strengthen. Their workmanship can be seen throughout the region – from the Mars Stadium redevelopment in Ballarat, to Deakin University student accommodation in Warrnambool, and significant hospital upgrades in Kerang and Castlemaine. Add to this a notable history of major heritage restoration projects, and it becomes clear there is no challenge Nicholson Construction is not equipped to meet.

A company with such longevity, capability and regional dedication is a natural partner for meaningful environmental outcomes. We look forward to continuing our work together as they build not only infrastructure, but a more sustainable future for the communities they serve.

At Nicholson Construction we like to give back to the community that we live, work and build in. Environmentally, planting trees in conjunction with Fifteen Trees is a great way for us to do this.

Stephen Allen | Director | Nicholson Construction

This year we planted Nicholson Construction’s trees (225) at 2 sites – Creswick and Glenville. Both neighbouring districts of Ballarat.

Site 1 | Creswick, VIC | 125 trees

Eight enthusiastic volunteers gathered at Creswick for a community planting day, rolling up their sleeves to plant native trees and shrubs, erect protective guards, and spread wood-chip mulch to give the young plants the best start possible. Among the species planted were Sweet Bursaria, Tussock Grass, Bottle Brush, Broadleaf Peppermint, and Red Ironbark – species well suited to the local environment and valuable for restoring native habitat.

These new plantings will, over time, provide vital shelter and food sources for local wildlife, including possums, echidnas, magpies, falcons, kites, ravens, finches, honeyeaters, wrens, rosellas, cockatoos, and black sulphur-crested cockatoos. Together, these efforts will help strengthen biodiversity and contribute to the ongoing regeneration of the Creswick landscape.

On behalf of our Landcare group, we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous support in subsidising native trees for our recent habitat restoration project.

Your contribution has made a real difference – these trees are now taking root on private land, helping to restore vital habitat for our local native wildlife. Thanks to your support, we’re not only growing trees, but also fostering biodiversity and a healthier landscape for generations to come.

It’s partnerships like this that truly bring community-driven conservation to life. We’re so grateful for your generosity, and we look forward to continuing to work together to protect and restore our natural environment.

David Unwin | President | Bald Hills Creswick Landcare group

Site 2 | Grenville, VIC | 100 trees

Emily and Jason Hutchins have spent the past decade quietly transforming their corner of Wadawurrung Country at ‘The Pines’ on the Yarrowee River in Grenville, VIC. What was once an old pine plantation is slowly returning to a thriving landscape of native bushland, thanks to countless weekends spent clearing invasive weeds, nurturing young seedlings, and restoring the riverbanks and creek lines. This year, their efforts gained an extra boost through support from Nicholson Construction allowing them to continue the steady revegetation of their property.

Over several months, the planting became a true family project. Emily and Jason were joined by their three children, Logan, Nell, and Ella, whose small hands helped plant native trees such as Blackwood, Yellow Gum, Blue Gum, White Ironbark and a variety of Bottlebrushes seedlings into the soil. Every tree is part of a bigger story – creating habitat, strengthening biodiversity, and forming natural wildlife corridors that connect the landscape back together.

Thank you for providing these trees to plant at Grenville. We are deeply grateful for your support, which not only helps us restore the land but also strengthens local biodiversity and contributes to a greener, healthier community for generations to come.

Emily and Jason Hutchins | Grenville, VIC

Already, the property is showing life. Platypus slip through the cool bends of the Yarrowee, echidnas waddle through the undergrowth, and kangaroos and wallabies graze along the open edges. Overhead, magpies and kookaburras keep watch, while black cockatoos and bright parrots flash through the canopy. Even the river tells its own story, home to eels and spiny freshwater crayfish that thrive in its clean, shaded waters.

Thank you to the team for the additional funding for tree guards. These guards help protect the new seedlings and gives them protection from grazers, in particular rabbits and kangaroos. Inside the plastic sleeves, the microclimate created protects the seedlings from harsh UV, drifting sand, frost, and wind. Once the seedlings survive their first summer and get the opportunity to develop a strong taproot, their chances of survival skyrockets.

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 B. 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.