The community is invited to roll up their sleeves and get planting at Plant it Forward - a special tree planting event on Friday 18 July 2025 from 9:30am to 12:00pm at Jarvis Oval Waurn Ponds.

Plant it Forward is part of the Geelong Nature Festival running from 12 - 27 July which invites residents and visitors to explore and restore our natural environment through hands-on activities workshops and family-friendly events.

Hosted by Deakin University in collaboration with the City of Greater Geelong and Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) the tree planting event is helping to implement the Kitjarra-dja-bul Bullarto langi-ut masterplan for the Waurn Ponds Creek Lower Moorabool River and Lower Barwon River corridors. 

This community-driven effort will help restore native vegetation improve the health of the waterway and support the recovery of native species including the vulnerable Yarra Pygmy Perch.

The Friends of Waurn Ponds Creek will also be joining the planting efforts on National Tree Day Sunday 27 July. Their continued hard work and determination over many years have played a vital role in rejuvenating the creek.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM

These volunteer plantings are a strong example of our shared commitment to restoring Waurn Ponds Creek through community-led revegetation and habitat restoration.

The efforts contribute to the health of the entire catchment support biodiversity and help create resilient green spaces to meet the challenges of urbanisation and climate change.

David Halliwell Deputy Vice Chancellor of Deakin University  

To support sustainability being embedded within Deakin’s culture as one of our core values we’re looking forward to hosting the wider community in strengthening the environmental and cultural health of this important landscape.

It’s an opportunity to come together and make a meaningful contribution to the renewal of local indigenous plant life. It reflects our shared commitment to caring for Country and enhancing local biodiversity.

Corangamite CMA CEO Amber Clarke

Corangamite CMA is proud to support Deakin University’s ‘Plant it Forward’ tree planting day.

Corangamite CMA is proud to support the restoration efforts by Deakin University of the Waurn Ponds Creek as part of the CMA’s suite of State Government funded Green Links projects.

Plant it Forward is a great opportunity for the community to see how this funding is delivering on the goals of improving both the health and amenity of urban waterways.

Participants are encouraged to dress for cold weather wear sturdy shoes and bring gardening gloves and a water bottle. Planting equipment and light refreshments will be provided.

Bookings are essential for this free event. To secure your spot visit: Geelong Nature Festival - Plant it Forward Waurn Ponds

There are many other Plant it Forward opportunities and exciting events happening across Greater Geelong as part of the Geelong Nature Festival. Discover what’s on and get involved by visiting: geelongaustralia.com.au/naturefestival/