St Mel’s kindergarteners gathered to plant trees for the One Tree Per Child initiative.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
What began as a simple promise has grown into one of Greater Shepparton’s most successful environmental programs, and it is celebrating its 10-year milestone.
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One Tree Per Child was founded by Olivia Newton-John and Jon Dee in 2013 and was created with a simple goal: encouraging every child to plant at least one tree before leaving school.
Mr Dee said since becoming the first council area to adopt the initiative in 2016, Greater Shepparton had participated better than anywhere else.
“Shepparton has planted nearly 200,000 trees, shrubs and grasses over the last 10 years,” he said.
“So many of the local schools have gotten involved, making a real difference.”
Each year, between May and August, local schools, kindergartens, community groups and volunteers take part in the planting activities across the region as part of the initiative.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said the milestone reflected years of strong community support and environmental leadership.
“One Tree Per Child has become an important part of Greater Shepparton’s story over the past decade,” Mr Sali said.
“This program has connected young people with the environment in a hands-on and meaningful way.”
The One Tree initiative is often a child’s first act of volunteering, showing them how important it is to give back to their community.
Mr Dee has high hopes that the program will continue to grow.
“Over the next 10 years, I think we’re going to see a very big jump … not just 10 countries planting trees for One Tree Per Child, we’re hoping to get at least 50,” he said.
The 10-year milestone will be recognised in late July during Greater Shepparton’s annual community planting event.
One Tree Per Child co-founder Jon Dee.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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