Hope at Saltbush Beach Balnarring
From little things, big things grow.
In the face of climate change and its daunting challenges, Saltbush together with community partners, cultivates hope through an environmental commitment and stewardship, demonstrating how positive action can inspire a brighter future for our planet.
Saltbush has recently been working in partnership with local schools Padua College and Star of the Sea College to undertake community service projects, involving teams of enthusiastic young people lending their hands to initiatives aimed at nurturing the local environment and fostering sustainability.
The scope of these diverse projects includes:
- establishing a communal vegetable garden at Saltbush to educate and promote sustainable food production and enabling Saltbush guests to harvest their own food.
- re-planting the Saltbush property with native species to enhance biodiversity, creating habitat for local wildlife.
Recently, the school community service project has extended to supporting Presentation Sisters Victoria and Merricks Coolart Catchment Landcare Group in their efforts to regenerate 30 acres of the Presentation Sisters Land adjacent to Saltbush that has previously been used for agricultural purposes over the past 50 years. Through the planting of trees, shrubs, grasses, and ground covers, with seeds collected and propagated locally the aim is to restore the land to its original ecological vegetation class, Swampy Woodland.
This significant regeneration project is part of a Mornington Peninsula wide bio-link project that will have tangible benefits for both wildlife and the community. By creating wildlife corridors, the regeneration project enhances habitat for koalas and other wildlife, fostering biodiversity. Furthermore, it contributes to local climate mitigation efforts by reducing regional temperatures by an estimated 1-2 degrees Celsius over time and sequestering carbon from the atmosphere.
The collective effort of volunteers from local Landcare group, schools, and community organisations underscores the power of collaboration in effecting positive change. Chiara Forti, Captain of Ave House at Star of the Sea College, explains how regeneration and initiatives that re-creates ecosystems, instils hope for the future. Through community partnerships we are not just envisioning a better future but actively creating it.
For the young people engaged in the regeneration project, the impact is palpable. Witnessing the progress made by trees planted 14 years ago by students from Star of the Sea College, also fuels their optimism, driving today’s students to be agents of positive change. Students’ participation in the project represents a tangible step toward rejuvenating previously exploited land and leaving a legacy for future generations.
Sister Joan Power of Presentation Sisters Victoria describes the regeneration project as a gift—a testament to the community's dedication to caring for the land. Through such concerted efforts, we can sow the seeds of hope for a more sustainable and resilient future.
Saltbush is currently seeking new members for its “Green Team”, a working group that meets quarterly to plan and monitor its environmental sustainability activities and performance. For more information about becoming a Green Team member, please contact CEO Maree Feutrill at maree@saltbush.org.au and visit their website.