Murrindindi promotes pollinators for National Tree Day

Published on 17 July 2026

Residents from across Murrindindi came together on Wednesday 15 July to learn how native pollinators help protect biodiversity, as part of Murrindindi Shire Council’s National Tree Day celebrations.

Hosted by Council, in partnership with Zoos Australia, the free community event was held across Alexandra, Kinglake and Yea, as well as online, attracting 25 participants from across the Shire. The event reflects Council's ongoing commitment to protecting biodiversity, supporting environmental education and encouraging community participation in caring for Murrindindi’s unique natural environment.

Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher, Cr Sue Carpenter and 2025 Murrindindi Shire Volunteer of the Year Ron Litjens attended the Yea Library session, and all participants also received a free native plant to take home.

The evening featured an engaging presentation by Estelle Van Hoeydonck from Zoos Victoria, who explored how native plants and pollinators depend on one another to keep local ecosystems healthy. Participants learned about local species including the Golden Sun Moth and the Bogong Moth and discovered the important role moths play in pollinating native vegetation. Attendees were also introduced to Moth Tracker, a citizen science project that encourages people to contribute to conservation by recording moth sightings. Find out more on the Zoos Victoria Moth Tracker website.

Participants also heard about other National Tree Day activities, including Council's Read, Learn and Win draw program through local libraries, where children can collect two free activity books; A Day in the Life of Buzzby McBee and Flutter McButter, and go into the draw to win a mystery prize.

Council’s Cheviot Ward Councillor Sue Carpenter said the event highlighted how small actions by individuals could make a meaningful contribution to protecting the environment.

"Looking after biodiversity starts with understanding it, and this event gave people practical ways they can make a difference in their own gardens and communities," Cr Carpenter said.

"National Tree Day is about more than planting trees. It's about protecting the ecosystems that support them, including the incredible native pollinators that help our natural environment thrive."

"I encourage everyone to get involved by joining a local tree planting event, visiting their library or simply taking the opportunity to learn more about the unique environment we share."

National Tree Day activities continue throughout July. Residents can take part in the Read, Learn and Win program at their local library until Friday 31 July or join a community tree planting event on Sunday 26 July. 

To find your nearest planting event or learn about National Tree Day, visit the Planet Ark National Tree Day website.

Pictured (above from left): Peter, Sanduni, Carlos and Pam networking and collecting their free plants after the Kinglake Library event.

Pictured: Love your pollinators display at Yea Library.

Pictured: Michelle reading A Day in the Life of Buzzby McBee the National Tree Day 2026 activity book in front of the Love your pollinators display at Alexandra Library.

Pictured: Love your pollinators display at Kinglake Library.

Pictured (from left): Tony, Lee, Craig, Cr Sue Carpenter and Ron Litjens at the Yea Library event.