National Tree Day
special feature
Tree day – a chance to make a difference NATIONAL Tree Day is the largest tree-planting event in the country. Organised by Planet Ark, it is celebrating its 21st birthday and 23 million trees planted nationally since it began. National Tree Day manager Debbie Agnew says it’s an opportunity for people to make a difference in greening their local community and bringing back native wildlife. Debbie says that thanks to the support of Canberra Toyota, there were 120 tree-planting sites last year in the ACT, involving 6500 people and resulting in 25,000 seedlings being planted. “If we have 150 sites this year it would be exceptional,” says Debbie. “We are thrilled to have so many groups help us every year, but I also encourage people who haven’t done it before but want to do something meaningful and be able to directly see the fruits of their labours to join us this year. “National Tree Day brings the community together and planting a tree is a very special thing to do!” Canberra Toyota’s dealer principal Mirko Milic says he and his team thoroughly enjoy their long-standing involvement with National Tree Day, and have for a number of years co-ordinated with local schools to ensure the Schools Tree Day, held on Friday July 29, is a success. He says National Tree Day is important as it brings the community’s focus to the
future,” says Debbie. “The problem and challenge we face in our digital society is the reduced time children spend playing outside. “Our research shows that Australian children are at risk of growing into an unhappy generation by living an inside lifestyle and being disconnected from the natural world. “But the impacts of just adding nature are significant, including benefits to mental and physical health and wellbeing. “We all need nature to thrive!” Mirko says that Toyota has always led the way in environmental initiatives by making energy efficient cars, such as the popular hybrid models of the Prius and Camry, which operate on petrol and electric motor. “These cars have been found to be reliable and efficient. Being less reliant on fuel is another way of further supporting our commitment to the environment,” he says. Mirko says that it is important to Canberra Toyota to give back to the community and they have been a dedicated supporter of a number of charities and sporting organisations for many years, including St Vincent de Paul’s annual CEO Sleepout event. Mirko will be Mirko Milic and Aranda Primary School students, from left, Charlotte, Miranda, Thomas, Kayd, Frankie, Kairlyn, Emma and Kevin get ready for Schools Tree Day on Friday, July 29. Photo by Andrew Finch participating in his fifth sleep out in a few weeks, to raise funds for homeless Canberrans. environment. with local schools to encourage them to outside and getting dirty. We all have fun “A lot of businesses, ourselves included, sign up for Schools Tree Day and provides and appreciate the environment, which is To get involved with National Tree Day visit take a lot out of the environment, and we are them with the trees, supplies and some man what it’s all about,” he says. treeday.planetark.org or call 1300 885000. committed to giving back by being a good power from their team. “We see children as the primary audience Schools are also welcome to contact Lisa corporate citizen,” he says. “Each year we go out and help a different as they have the potential to make a differGray at Canberra Toyota on 6221 3545 about Mirko says Canberra Toyota works directly school. The kids love it! They enjoy being ence and safeguard the environment in the Schools Tree Day support.
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