sdcn turns 15

It was terrific to join in the celebrations of the Southern Dandenongs Community Nursery who turned 15 this year.

Part of celebrations included the official part of the day, the AGM where current president and one of the key driving forces behind the nursery, Garrique Pergl, was re-elected as president for 2011.

Noel and Dudley provided this magnificent cake to celebrate 15 years of SDCN, Garrique and I had the pleasure of cutting the cake after a rousing rendition of happy birthday.

It was tremendous to hear about the current activities of the group which include:

providing plants for the Shire of Yarra Ranges and the City of Casey, Melbourne Water, Melbourne Water Alliance and Parks Victoria as well as residents, schools and community groups

Supporting the 350 demonstration in Belgrave

Supplying plants for the Southern Dandenongs Landcare Group stall at Kallista market

Delivering an introduction to native plants course for community members

Doing site inspections for weeds, plant selection and habitat development for the community

To mark the occasion I planted an indigenous tree, a long leaf box (eucalyptus goniocalyx), with Garrique, SDCN President. May it thrive into the future along with the nursery.

Over the past 15 years the nursery has produced over 500,000 indigenous plants, quite an achievement and a positive note for our environment that is under constant threat in many ways.

The nursery plays a key role in our region, volunteers giving freely of their time to ensure an ongoing and timely supply of thousands of indigenous plants.

Congratulations to the incoming committee, it's wonderful that you are keen to further support the nursery in this way. The new committee comprises:

President: Garrique Pergl

Secretary: Michael Butler

Treasurer: Rhonda Adams

General members:

Paul Birch

Lesley Wilson

Robert Pergl

Ian Rainbow

Anton Pergl

I look forward to working with you in the future.