Benefits branch out

By Callan Date
THE hills are alive and well in Garfield North after 1500 trees were planted as part of a program designed to benefit both the local environment and members of the disabled community.
Pakenhambased group Outlook Environmental joined forces with Melbourne Water for five days last week in the joint initiative in which a range of plants native to the Garfield area were established on the property ‘Bingarra’.
Outlook Environmental Employment Service manager Paul Stinear said the group of four workers involved in the Garfield project had done a great job and they hoped to plant a further 1500 trees on the property later in the year.
“Outlook Environmental is an organisation that provides supervised work for people with disabilities and we focus on projects that benefit the environment,” Mr Stinear said.
The group works in conjunction with other organisations including Cardinia Shire to help improve the land and enhance the environment in various ways.
Mr Stinear said that while the environment benefits from the group’s work, the workers also develop important skills and receive an income.
“It’s really a winwin situation for both groups involved and we are always looking for more organisations to develop partnerships with,” he said.
Melbourne Water regional grants coordinator Gavin Brock said he was delighted that both the environment and a communitybased group like Outlook Environmental were able to help each other out.
“It was a great idea by the ‘Bingarra’ property owner, Peter Link, who got the two groups together and we really encourage people who believe their property may suit the Melbourne Water project to get more information on our website at www.melbournewater.com.au,” Mr Brock said.
Anyone also interested in working in conjunction with the Outlook Environmental group can contact Paul Stinear on 9705 6445.