Businesses like Renovators Paradise help us to create native habitats and regenerate our forests. When business owner Simon approached us to reduce their carbon footprint over a decade ago, we leapt at their offer to help. Simon is unique in that he specialises in the sale of reclaimed building materials. This company encourages recycling and up-cycling. The process encourages recycling and reduces land fill, but it also showcases skill sets from bygone eras in products that are not reproduced in todays construction industry. The treasures we salvage add character and style to both old or new homes.

Since 2012, we have been planting 15 trees for every car in Simon’s fleet, and in 2025, with his support, we have planted another 100 trees.  Simon’s tree tally now stands at 1,380 native trees.

This year we planted Simon’s trees at Westgate Park, Port Melbourne with Westgate Biodiversity, a not-for-profit organisation located at the base of one of Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks and busiest gateways to the city. Nestled beneath this urban landmark, the group is working to create something quite extraordinary – a thriving pocket of bushland that provides both sanctuary for wildlife and a green escape for people.

Westgate Biodiversity plays a vital role in the west of Melbourne. Not only do they grow and sell locally indigenous plants to support home gardeners, schools, and revegetation projects, but they are also passionately restoring Westgate Park. Their vision is to transform what was once a degraded and industrial area into a natural, bush-like haven, filled with diverse plant species that will flourish for decades to come.

The native trees and shrubs planted at the site, 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, Yello 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.

We also thank Simon and the team for the additional funding for tree guards. These guards help protect the new seedlings and gives them protection from grazers. 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.