OC Connections was invited earlier this year, by the Federal Member for Hotham, The Hon. Clare O’Neil MP, to apply for a tree planting grant that was established by the Commonwealth Government of Australia in recognition of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th Jubilee.
This project received funding from the Australian Government’s Planting Trees for The Queen’s Jubilee Program.
The objective of the program is to mark the significant occasion of Her Majesty’s Jubilee through community tree planting events across Australia.
OC Connections was successful in securing the grant. A celebratory tree planting ceremony was held on Wednesday 23, November at the 773 Warrigal Road facilities to plant two of the trees provided as part of the grant. OC Connections’ Day Support participants, staff and executives were amongst those invited to the event, as well as OC Connections Chair, Tom Baxter , who planted one of the two trees at the formal ceremony with the assistance of two very enthusiastic OC Connections Day Support participants, Alison and Laurel.
The grant has enabled the trees to be planted at the 773 Warrigal Road facility, and another 4 trees across 3 other community living housing sites in the weeks to come. The program complements OC Connections’ environmental initiative to continue a positive impact on climate change by expanding its green footprint.
The tree planting program enabled participants across OC Connections to actively participate. In addition to the planting of the trees, OC Connections Day Support participants and resident artists, produced a beautiful mosaic piece, with the support of Val Rowe, OC Connections Disability Educator, and the OC Connections team in the Art Program. The mosaic was a collaborative team effort with the contribution of Joey Reyes, Peter Kuzmicky, Mandy Ebbot and Kathleen Forscutt all lending a hand in completing the project. The mosaic and commemorative plaque were both placed in front of the tree to commemorate the event .
Thank you to all staff and participants that were involved in the lead up and preparation of this event, as well as all that came along and supported the activity on the day.
In the coming weeks’ residents at Rockbeare, Dealing, and Delia houses will have informal ceremonies for the planting of their trees, which will include a lovely morning or afternoon tea. These trees will also be complemented by beautiful mosaics prepared by OC Connections participants.
There are many ways to collaborate with us, or support our work; from developing programs, co-referring, providing funding, training, and service delivery. We’re always open to collaborating and designing innovative ways to better support people living with disability and those supporting them too.
You can connect with us to talk about how we can work together. Call us on (03) 9569 0603 or visit our website at https://occonnections.org/contact-us/ to speak with someone about partnership opportunities or to provide a referral.
