An eight-year rail trail project connecting two rural communities, Girgarre and Stanhope, took a further step forward with a tree planting day.
The project was supported by Fonterra, which donated seedlings and essential equipment for the rail trail.
Fonterra’s Stanhope factory team took a break from making cheese and joined forces with members of the community to plant 100 trees along the rail trail.
The project between Stanhope and Girgarre opened last year when the final 5km stretch of the track was completed on the outskirts of Stanhope.
Girgarre Stanhope Land Protection Group secretary Bernadette Fitzpatrick said the work completed by Fonterra’s Stanhope team and community volunteers was the final bit of planting required to complete the project.
“This project has been a partnership between the two townships and the trees planted will ensure significant shelter for walkers for years to come,” she said.
“All works have been undertaken by volunteers including the ongoing maintenance, so we’re incredibly grateful for the donation from Fonterra and the support from its team at Stanhope to get the job done.”
Tammy Robichaud recently joined Fonterra’s Stanhope team as the new site manager.
She said it was a great opportunity for her to meet members of the local community and hear all about the connection people have to the district and the Fonterra Stanhope site.
“Given I’m new to the role, it was my first time connecting with the community. It was a fantastic day, and the team enjoyed rolling their sleeves up and helping out,” Ms Robichaud said.
“Initiatives like this really resonate with Fonterra because it crosses two areas that are a focus for our business — caring for the environment and supporting our local communities.
“The trees that were planted will not only have benefits in reducing CO2 emissions, providing shade and improving biodiversity along the trail, it’s also an investment into the future of the region, because it creates an experience that locals and visitors can enjoy.”
Fonterra seeks partnership with organisations or initiatives relating to the environment and community building. For more information, email: inourcommunityaustralia@fonterra.com