News

Intereach digs deep for a greener future

By Pip Turton

Aug 12, 2025

Seymour Intereach’s Richelle Black, Shepparton Intereach’s Rose Hancock and Seymour Intereach’s Mikaela Kuyl. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Intereach staff members rolled up their sleeves at Yakka Basin Reserve in Shepparton on Wednesday, August 6 for a community tree planting event as part of the One Tree Per Child Program.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

In partnership with Greater Shepparton City Council, the initiative saw volunteers plant between 80 and 140 native trees from 1pm to 3pm, contributing to Intereach’s 2025 Sustainability Strategy Development Plan goal of planting 200 native trees across two sites within 12 months.

“It was a great day as our staff got to use volunteer leave … the program last year was a huge success and we really look forward to this day,” Intereach general manager Felicity Whorlow said.

Founded by Olivia Newton-John and Jon Dee, the One Tree Per Child Program has been supported locally by council since 2017.

The project aligned with Intereach’s environmental targets, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 43 per cent (375 tonnes CO₂-equivalent) by 2030.

Last year Intereach reduced its emissions by 83 tonnes, marking an almost 10 per cent decrease from 2023.

The event formed part of the organisation’s Volunteer Leave Scheme, allowing employees to take part during paid working hours.

Participants accessed the planting site via Southdown St and Verdelho Rd.

With its focus on environmental stewardship and community engagement, the planting day marked another meaningful step towards a greener Greater Shepparton.