Rotary International recently announced their 7th pillar of Community Service around the world, which is ‘Environment and Sustainability’. The Rotary Club of Eltham was the first in Australia to organise a committee to explore their community’s needs.
The Eltham tree canopy is disappearing, so they want to put in place an ongoing effort to turn that around. There are also concerns for our disappearing ‘habitat links’ and they are keen to reinstate them.
The plight of our great pollinators, our bees, are also in their sights. Joining with Rotary Club of Canterbury, the team will get action started on community awareness, and the need for specific plantings in home gardens and reserves.
One of the centrepieces of their plans is to promote National Tree Day each year. A school program has been developed to encourage the next generation to enjoy and care for our environment.
The target is to plant 6,000 indigenous trees in the first year. While so many people are talking about the plight of our environment, they felt that it is important to roll up their sleeves and act on it immediately. With many supporters in the community, including: Nillumbik Shire Council; the Victorian Government through Vicki Ward MP and Major Road Projects Victoria; Eltham Men’s Shed; Edendale Farm, and other community groups, the Rotary Club of Eltham would welcome any other groups or community members who might like to join with them in this important ongoing initiative.
