11 November; Matt Roseby
In 2022, the University of Melbourne’s student volunteering program joined forces with the Sustainability and Grounds team to plant more than 1200 plants across the Werribee, Parkville, and Southbank Campuses.
The sustainability efforts were extended through improved recycling and waste management procedures and forestry tubes and polystyrene boxes from the plantings were collected and redirected to their Newport supplier to be reused.
The team, who volunteered more than 330 hours throughout the year, also established a purpose-specific collection point for the abundance of plastic pots used throughout the year’s planting days, which will also be recycled.
At the Parkville campus, staff from The Digital Strategy and Channels Team contributed their time to the efforts, planting 700 indigenous specimens around the Beaurepaire Centre and weight room at Melbourne University Sport.
“It was great to be involved in the tree planting initiative and witness firsthand the amazing work that that ground’s team does at the University. Not only did Ken and the ground team teach us about the indigenous trees and shrubs that we were planting but they helped to make the morning fun. The DSC has been working from home throughout Covid, so having the opportunity to come together in this way has been great for our team. I can’t wait to see how the garden comes along throughout spring.” Lorna Power, CRM Campaign Manager (UC&M)
“It was a wonderful day and we were so thankful to all the volunteers that gave their time to assist with the planting. The garden beds are going to look fantastic and really add to the façade of the facility.” Ken Barton, Facility Operations Manager Melbourne University Sport.