Community Planting Initiative Exceeds All Targets
The Wodonga Urban Landcare Network is thrilled to announce the phenomenal success of Project SPROUT – Branching Out, concluding on National Tree Day, 26th July 2026.
Following last year’s record-breaking results, this year’s initiative surpassed expectations once again, mobilising the broader Wodonga community to green the city across 19 carefully selected locations.
Extraordinary Achievement
18 community planting days held between June and July,
5,829 plants were established across Wodonga and Baranduda:
- 726 trees maturing to 5m+ for future canopy and cooling
- 3,863 shrubs creating mid-story habitat and food resources
- 1,290 grasses and groundcovers supporting pollinators and wildlife
Community Engagement Beyond Expectations
The project engaged 803 direct participants contributing 1,082 volunteer hours, with an additional 68 community members attending three specialist educational workshops on Sloane’s Froglet, nest box know how, and pollinator conservation. A community street stall at White Box Rise Shopping Centre extended awareness to hundreds more.
This project demonstrates how accessible, event-based volunteering models are transforming community participation.
Environmental Outcomes: Habitat Restoration in Action
Project SPROUT – Branching Out delivered measurable habitat restoration across urban and peri-urban landscapes:
- Threatened species support: Squirrel Gliders and Platypuses now have enhanced habitat, with a Platypus sighting at David Winterbottom Park providing tangible evidence of restoration success
- Waterway health: Bank stabilisation along House Creek, Huon Creek and Felltimber Creek improved water retention and created refuge pools during drought
- Biodiversity enhancement: Multi-layered habitat creation through understory planting and native groundcover establishment
- Landscape connectivity: Revegetation corridors now reconnect fragmented reserves across Wodonga
Corporate & Council Partnership
The project’s success was underpinned by genuine partnerships. BUPA and Landcare Australia funded the initiative through the Bupa Healthy Cities Landcare Grant program. Corporate partners including Parker Hannifin (second consecutive year participation), BUPA staff, and Wodonga Heart football club brought their teams and enthusiasm. Wodonga Council provided landowner consent and other support.
“These partnerships demonstrate that when environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility, great success is achievable,” said Jo Vincent, Network Facilitator. “When volunteers, businesses, councils and funders align around a common mission, we can achieve landscape-scale change.
Looking Forward
Project SPROUT – Branching Out has established the foundation for years of environmental benefit and community connection. The project demonstrates the power of inclusive, accessible volunteering models in creating lasting environmental and social outcomes.
