Stories - August 7, 2025
Planting for a greener future — one tree at a time
Intereach staff have been rolling up their sleeves and digging deep this month – all in the name of a cleaner, greener future.
As part of our commitment to environmental sustainability, teams in Mildura and Shepparton planted about native trees across Wirraway and Cureton East basins in Mildura and Yakka Basin Reserve in Shepparton.
The two events were delivered in partnership with Mildura Rural City Council and Greater Shepparton City Council respectively and the global One Tree Per Child program – which encourages every child to plant at least one tree before they leave school.
This tree-planting effort also formed part of our Volunteer Leave Scheme, which gives Intereach staff the opportunity to contribute to community causes during paid work hours.
For Nino, one of our multicultural workers based in Mildura, it was a welcome change of pace.
“It’s important we look after the environment. It’s like our house – if we trash it, we’re stuck living in the mess.”
Nino (pictured left) - SETS multicultural worker
Intereach Co-CEO Yvette Buhagiar, who joined the team in Mildura, said the event aligned with our Environmental Strategy which aims to embed environmentally responsible practices across the organisation.
“These efforts are about more than just trees,” Mrs Buhagiar said.
“They’re about community wellbeing, reducing our carbon footprint, and building a sustainable future for generations to come.”
Rose, Early Childhood Goulburn program manager, volunteered for the tree planting in Shepparton, a town she’s always called home and where she’s witnessed much of the beautiful landscape cleared for development.
“It’s a privilege to be part of restoring the landscape — not only to create a pleasant space for locals to walk, play and exercise, but also to ensure our native wildlife has a safe and suitable environment to call home.”
Rose pictured left.
Intereach has already cut 83 tonnes of emissions in 2024 through smarter recycling, switching to hybrid vehicles, using carbon-free printing paper and adopting chemical-free cleaning products. These efforts are part of our long-term goal to reduce emissions by 43% (375 tonnes CO2-e) by 2030.
At Intereach, sustainability means creating lasting social, environmental and economic value for the communities we serve – in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The One Tree Per Child Program, founded by Olivia Newton-John and Jon Dee, is a global initiative aimed at encouraging every child to plant at least one tree before they leave school.
If you want to join an organisation that values sustainability, explore our career opportunities at Careers – Intereach
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