by Matt Sullivan
The Australian Water Association (AWA) VIC Tree Planting Day stands as a shining example of community engagement and environmental action.
This was the eighth annual event, co-led by Young Water Professionals (YWPs) Miranda Rey-Fleming and Matt Sullivan, in collaboration with Gerard Morel from Melbourne Water. This year continued the legacy of conserving the Altona Skipper Butterfly, a species endemic to Altona and in critical need of habitat restoration. This year’s Tree Planting Day was the largest on record, with around 100 enthusiastic attendees.
The day began with a Welcome To Country led by Adam Atkinson, a representative of the Bunurong people, who provided an insightful introduction to the land's traditional custodians and their enduring connection to the region. This set a respectful and inclusive tone for the day's activities. Susie Gerraty from NatureWest Landcare Network then provided an engaging talk on the local ecology, and an insightful planting demonstration to our attendees.
Volunteers, which included YWPs, friends, and family, gathered with a common purpose: to plant 1,000 seedlings of chaffy saw sedge along Kororoit Creek. These seedlings are crucial for the Altona Skipper Butterfly, which relies on this particular plant for its entire life cycle. Given the incredible number of attendees, more plants had to be sought by Melbourne Water from the local depot to keep up with the progress made by the volunteers. By creating 'stepping stones' of habitat, the initiative aims to connect isolated populations of the butterfly, thereby increasing their chances of survival.
The event was not just about planting; it was a celebration of community spirit and a collective commitment to making a tangible difference. Participants worked diligently, planting, staking and installing tree guards on one seedling at a time. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and positivity, with families and friends sharing the experience, and even pets adding to the day's joy.
As the morning progressed, rows of newly planted seedlings stood as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together for a cause greater than themselves. The Altona Skipper Butterfly, a species on the brink of extinction, now has improved chances of survival thanks to the efforts of all involved.
To acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the volunteers, a meat-free BBQ lunch and a barista-made coffee was provided, ensuring that the day was as enjoyable as it was productive. The event was made possible through the continued partnership with Melbourne Water and the funding from Water4Good, highlighting the importance of partnerships in achieving community and conservation goals.
The AWA VIC Tree Planting Day was a resounding success, not only in terms of the number of seedlings planted but also in fostering a sense of unity and purpose. It served as a powerful reminder that when we come together, we can create a better world, not just for ourselves, but for the species with whom we share our planet. The Altona Skipper Butterfly will continue to flutter in Altona, a symbol of hope, the AWA’s collective effort and the enduring power of community action.
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