"Planting a tree is a commitment to the future", PRI President Ian H.S Riseley said.

Article by PP David Kearney and PP Mary Kearney, Karana Bellbowrie Rotary Club

In 2017 RI President Ian H.S. Riseley issued a challenge. He wanted Rotarians to plant 1.2 million trees – one for every Rotarian in the world – between 1 July 2017, when he took office, and Earth Day, 22 April 2018. “We want everyone to keep going, after 22 April 2018... Planting a tree is a commitment to the future.” Ian said.

David Kearney (Karana Bellbowrie Rotary Club) took up the challenge and organised a district tree planting day for District 9600, with 1,414 trees planted, one for each member of the District. This was carried out in conjunction with Brisbane City Council at a reserve in Moggill.

The challenge continued in 2019 with 1,800 trees planted at the same reserve. In 2020 COVID-19 caused the cancellation of the planned activity. 2021 saw 2,500 trees planted at a reserve in Upper Kedron.

In 2022 our new District 9620 rose to the challenge again, with 160 Rotarians, Rotaractors and friends planting 5,000 trees at Mansfield. This planting is part of council’s revegetation of Bulimba Creek to extend an existing koala habitat, with the healthiest koala population in southeast Qld.

Each of these plantings was strongly supported by the District Governors, and Brisbane City Council (BCC), whose team carries out the preparation and maintenance. This has created a fantastic partnership between BCC and Rotary. Karana Bellbowrie hosted and also provided a delectable morning tea for each event.

This year the challenge was extended to clubs outside of the greater Brisbane area, with many involved with planting on or around 10 April. Clubs as far afield as St George, Dalby, Sunshine Coast and Samford have carried out planting in local parks and aged care facilities. Dalby also supports a revegetation programme in Nepal.

So, to next year …