A small pocket of flora in Melbourne Ave, Umina Beach, is a step closer to recovery today following the replanting of several mature Banksia trees damaged by recent vandalism.
State Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch and Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid helped plant a mature Banksia tree, one of several which will provide shade and shelter to classrooms and parents at school pickup.
“It’s a real delight to see these beautiful banksias on Melbourne Ave recovering, thanks to the generosity of the school community, community groups like Grow Urban Shade Trees (GUST), The Men’s Shed and numerous local businesses,” Tesch said.
“I want to also acknowledge members of the wider school community who have been caring for the cluster of mature Banksias on Melbourne Ave since their planting back in 2020.”
Three mature Banksias were replanted at Umina Beach Public School on July 28, as part of Schools Tree Day, an initiative led by Planet Ark, ahead of Sunday’s National Tree Day.
Schools Tree Day is always on the last Friday in July and National Tree Day the last Sunday in July.
“It’s a real honour to be given the opportunity to see the tireless efforts of the school community firsthand today who are getting their hands dirty, building habitat and giving back,” Tesch said.
She said people can get involved in other tree-related conservation efforts, such as bush regeneration, seed collection, or maintaining a recent planting site at any time of the year.
Reid said it was great to re-visit his former primary school.
“It is always a pleasure to visit and it was great to help students, teachers, and parents plant trees to mark National Tree Day for 2023,” he said.
“I want to thank everyone involved in this year’s event at Umina Beach Public School, and I am sure these trees will grow to provide habitat for native fauna and shade for the community”.
Source:
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch and Member for Robertson Gordon Reid