Men’s Shed members and primary school students across the country worked shoulder to shoulder to mark Schools Tree Day on 29 July 2022.
The groups came together on Toowoomba (QLD), Geraldton (WA), Sandy Hollow (NSW), Colac (VIC) and Ardrossan (SA) to plant seedlings, share knowledge and connect over a shared sense of contribution to their natural environment.
Meeting at designated planting sites such as local parks, Men’s Sheds and schools, participating Shedders and students teamed up to plant native shrubs – connecting with nature and community.
The Schools Tree Day is a great opportunity to bring Men’s Sheds together with their communities to connect with both nature and each other.
ABOVE: Denman & District Men’s Shed cooked up a storm for the students and teachers at Sandy Hollow Primary School.
At Sandy Hollow Primary School, Denman & District Men’s Shed and students planted out native shrubs as part of the school’s new yarning circle.
Following the planting, the shedders treated students to a barbeque lunch.
This year the activity was led by AMSA in collaboration with local Men’s Sheds and Men’s Shed organisations, councils and land care groups, the activity is part of AMSA’s new partnership with Brighter with Natural Gas, an initiative of the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA).
The alliance between AMSA and APPEA is aimed at uniting regional, rural and remote Men’s Shed communities while promoting mental wellbeing.
Participating Men’s Sheds received a six burner gas barbeque, an esky and gazebo as part of the AMSA and APPEA partnership.
APPEA members Arrow Energy and Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise attended the planting at Sister Elizabeth Kenny Park with Toowoomba City Men’s Sheds, Toowoomba West Men’s Shed and Harristown State School.
APPEA Member Arrow Energy’s Access Strategy Lead Zeb Dawson took part in the Toowoomba planting activity. He said that the event was a great example of local organisations working together to support wellbeing.
ABOVE: 160 shrubs were planted at Sister Elizabeth Kenny Park – a huge effort by Toowoomba City Men’s Shed, Toowoomba West Men’s Shed and Harristown State School.
Collaborating with Regional Coordinators across the country proved key in enabling AMSA to deliver the nation-wide activity.
On the ground, Regional Coordinators, Men’s Sheds and AMSA collaborated with local councils and land care groups to deliver a successful day across all locations – even Bunnings team members chipped in a hand.
Participating Men’s Sheds, Schools and State Associations
QLD: Toowoomba City Men’s Shed / Toowoomba West Men’s Shed & Harristown State School, supported by Frank Pearce, Regional Coordinator – Queensland Men’s Shed Association
WA: The Menshed Geraldton & Geraldton Primary School, supported by Rebecca Talbot, Regional Health Coordinator – Men’s Sheds of WA
NSW: Denman & District Men’s Shed & Sandy Hollow Primary School, supported by Beth Gow, Shed Support NSW/ACT – AMSA
VIC: Colac Men’s Shed & Alvie Primary School / Colac West Primary School, supported by Darren Scicluna, Regional Coordinator – Victorian Men’s Shed Association
SA: Ardrossan Community and Men’s Shed & Ardrossan State School, supported by Tony Wyld, Shed Support SA/NT – AMSA
BELOW: Members from The Menshed Geraldton with teachers and students from Geraldton Primary School and Rebecca Talbot (Men’s Sheds of WA)
