The Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek celebrate 21 years
By Jennifer McMillan 14 July 2022
The Friends of Kororoit Creek celebrate 21 years of environmental transformation with tree planting, music and dancing.
A ‘Friends Group’ is made up of volunteers who undertake activities to protect and enhance natural areas. Activities involve planting, aftercare, weed control, seed collection, rubbish removal, erosion control and community engagement. While every day is Tree Day, especially for the groups who work tirelessly year-round, National Tree Day is an opportunity to celebrate the hard work and achievements of our Tree Day friends.
Located on Boonwurrung Country, Kororoit Creek is an important waterway and environmental corridor in Melbourne’s west. The wetlands feature many different species of migratory birds – some of which travel south annually from as far away as China.
Geoff founded the Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek in 2001 with the vision of creating a ‘corridor of green’ for future generations to enjoy. He was motivated to reverse the destructive cycle of damage and neglect and bring Kororoit Creek back to its former healthy state. This year, the Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek celebrated 21 years of environmental transformation. During this time, they’ve planted thousands of trees and transformed an industrial wasteland into a thriving environment loved by the community.
In June 2022, the community celebrated the opening of the new viewing platform and opening of Hosken Reserve Park BBQ and Children’s playground.
Over 400 community members attended the opening and helped plant 450 trees and shrubs along the Kororoit Creek environmental corridor.
A sea of tree planters moved through the site with FOLKC staff offering plant demonstrations and cups of fertilizer along the way. Fury friends joined in on the fun and got their paws dirty.
The planting was followed by dancing and live music on the new viewing platform. A ribbon was cut to celebrate the opening of the play space, BBQ and dog off-leash areas and viewing platform. All made possible by the Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek sponsors – Toyota Australia, West Gate Tunnel Project, and Hobsons Bay Council.
Williamstown MP Melissa Horne talked about the transformation that has occurred in the area thanks to the driving passion of one individual, Geoff Mitchelmore.
“If we didn’t have community advocates in our local area like Geoff, these sorts of things would never become a reality.”
Join us in celebrating the wonder of trees this National Tree Day by connecting with nature and your community. Host a planting or find a site near you.
Jen worked as a vet nurse while studying environmental science and completing her master's degree in Journalism. She loves bushwalking, storytelling, caring for baby animals, Australian birds and river red gums. Jen works on the National Tree Day campaign and Planet Ark's Seedling Bank.
