The environment sector has really embraced IYV2001 in recognition of the integral part that volunteers play in environmental projects. Over 500 volunteers got down and dirty for the "Bridge the Gap" tree-plant and volunteer's festival to launch the March environment theme month for IYV in South East Queensland on Saturday 24th February. The tree-plant was hosted by Barung Landcare at Maleny and the day was sunny, bright and magical! Volunteers started early in the morning planting trees across an open corridor of private land which included the beautiful Bridge Creek. The festival kicked off at lunch time with a BBQ, bands, indigenous dancers, speakers and the official launch of the theme month by Diane Morgan, CEO of Volunteering Queensland. "Events celebrating IYV, like today, where we actively participate in something we believe in and celebrate our diversity at the same time, will have a lasting effect on our communities. This is what IYV2001 is all about." The event was well organised and catered for everyone's interests. As well as the well supervised tree-planting, there were information sessions on the bus shuttles to planting sites, children's activities, tree climbing displays and information displays. Volunteers, environmental organisations, land-holders and locals came together on the day to generate a real sense of community. It is hoped that the tree-plant will have a low loss rate of plantings over time, but as well, the success of the day comes from the increasing involvement of people in volunteering activities. "Today resulted in so many trees being put in the ground and by people who had never done it before. They've been introduced to land care and that's important too", said Lyn Fairley, President of Barung Landcare. Volunteers felt happy about doing something for the environment and spending quality time with their family and friends. "It's nice to get the kids out planting some trees. It will be a good memory for them when they are older", said one volunteer. Greening Australia coordinators, Donna and Tracey, highlighted this dual meaningfulness when they said, "My relationship with the volunteers and their relationships with each other is as important to me as the work we do." Volunteers from the Greater Brisbane area will have another chance to celebrate at the "eVOLution" festival on Saturday 31st March at Brisbane Forest Park. This close event for the theme month is all about celebrating! |
By Elizabeth Frederickson