Published: Tuesday, 25 February 2025 at 8:33:15 AM
With a vision for greener, cooler neighbourhoods, Geraldton Tree Canopy Advocates have been announced as the successful applicant of Mid West Ports’ 2025 Not-for-Profit Partnership Program.
The three-year partnership aims to empower local not-for-profit organisations to support the environment and engage the community through financial and hands-on support provided by the Port.
Commencing this year, Geraldton Tree Canopy Advocates plans to plant 45 additional trees around Geraldton suburbs and provide watering and maintenance support for the next three years as they establish.
Mid West Ports CEO Damian Tully said: “This new partnership not only adds vibrancy to our neighbourhoods, but the addition of more trees in urban areas also improves liveability, and ultimately improves mental and social wellbeing in the community in which we live and work.”
“Geraldton Tree Canopy Advocates are a proactive community organisation who are proof of the powerful impact grass-roots organisations can make.
“Mid West Ports is thrilled to support their exciting vision and are looking forward to seeing a greener Geraldton in years to come.”
Geraldton Tree Canopy Advocates volunteer Sara Armitage said the partnership support would ensure new trees had a greater chance of surviving beyond the first two years of planting.
“We’ve had a really good start as a volunteer-run organisation, but we have found that the on-going tree maintenance - especially regular watering for the first two summers – is a challenge,” she said.
“This partnership means we can confidently plant 45 new trees in the Geraldton area, and ensure they’re given the water and maintenance required during that crucial period.
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second-best time is now. We are thrilled to start this new partnership with the Port and looking forward to seeing more shade in our suburbs.”
This year the Port’s Not-for-Profit Partnership Program received a diverse range of applications across education, environment, and heritage projects.
Now in its third year, the program has seen some outstanding outcomes delivered in the community, including the much-needed upgrade of Geraldton Surf Life Saving Club’s plumbing system, the removal of overgrown pest shrubs, trees and weeds and building a mezzanine safety barrier for Theatre8, and supporting ATLAS’ early research and development into an all-abilities boat harness prototype for wheelchair users.
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