The Nationals Federal Member for Mallee John Forrest will take time off from the Federal Election campaign to attend Schools Tree Day at Koorlong Primary School tomorrow (Friday) and National Tree Planting Day at Cook’s Farm near Warracknabeal on Saturday.
“Planting a tree is a rare experience, giving great pleasure as it grows taller over time,” Mr Forrest said.
“We had Arbor Day when I was a school kid at Red cliffs, and now in 2010, we have Schools Tree Day and National Tree-planting Day,” Mr Forrest said.
“Most people are keen to do their bit for the environment by planting trees and these special days can also be quite a community event where you get to meet people you haven’t seen for a while.
“Trees are a legacy for many years to come, giving pleasure, shade and environmental benefits.
“There’s joy in getting your hands dirty when planting and caring for trees. I’d encourage all to participate in one of their nearby National Tree Day, or Schools Tree Day, celebrations around the Wimmera and Mallee.”
Tomorrow’s tree planting will start at 11am at Koorlong Primary School.
On Saturday, Mr Forrest will be attending the Yarrilinks Annual Plant-out Day at Cook’s Farm (off the Warraknabeal-Dimboola road), starting at 9.30am. The Yarrilinks planting weekends have become a tradition in the Yarriambiack and Hindmarsh Shires.
Last year over 312,000 people at 3500 sites around Australia dug deep to improve their natural surroundings. Tree Day shows children how easy and fun it is to help the environment.
All Australians can help out by planting and caring for native trees and shrubs to improve the environment in which they live.
National Tree Day was co-founded by Olivia Newton-John and Planet Ark in 1996 and since then more than 2 million volunteers have planted over 15 million native trees and shrubs.
To find the closest site, call the National Tree Day Hotline on 1300 88 5000
Media contact: John Forrest (03) 5032 4510
