The fabulous students at Port Fairy Consolidated School have rallied for the environment! We are so proud of their efforts and concern for the planet.

If like us you feel quite alarmed at the state of the planet’s health, and what we are leaving behind for next generations to deal with, you’ll be thrilled to read about the student’s work at Port Fairy Consolidated School. Through our Fundraiser project, the students (along with a bit of help from teachers and parents), reached out to their school community to purchase native trees.

This year the money raised by the school went towards planting habitat trees for Victorian wild koala populations at Inverleigh in the Otway Ranges by The Koala Clancy Foundation. Native tree species included River-red gum, Yellow gum, Manna gum, Sweet Bursaria, Wirilda and Lightwood. All trees were sourced from local indigenous nursery at Western Plains Flora.

The Wadawurrung are a recognised tribe (community) of this district, which consisted of some 25 clans that forms part of the Kulin Nation of Aboriginal people.

At Inverleigh, a small population of wild koalas are just hanging on. Many years ago all the woodland around them was cut down, isolating these koalas. Now modern farmers are keen to revegetate the streams, but they need our expert help. This project will restore an endangered ecosystem in a region that has lost 87% of its natural forest. This planting will effectively double the habitat for these koalas, giving them a lifeline.

Janine Duffy | President | Koala Clancy Foundation

This self-funded foundation is working with landowners and councils to provide connecting habitat corridors for their local koala populations. During the course of this planting season (April – September) they are aiming to plant close to 20,000 native trees.

Keen to learn more about our fundraising projects? Head here. Or contact Donna at <[email protected]>. Alternatively, if you are interested in how your business and Fifteen Trees could work together, contact Colleen at <[email protected]>.

Writer – Lou Ridsdale

Lou is a big fan of words and has been our Comms Manager since 2019.

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