Moonee Valley City Council staff swapped tree planting for pancakes to celebrate World Environment Day recently.
Staff of the metropolitan Melbourne council planted indigenous shrubs at a local park and in return received a pancake and hot drink as a thank you for helping the environment.
“We encouraged staff who normally spend their days at a desk or in meeting rooms all day to take a walk and spend some time outdoors doing something for our community,” said Moonee Valley Chief Executive Officer Bryan Lancaster.
“With the assistance of 10 Green Army members, more than 70 staff planted around 1000 native plants … to provide nectar, pollen and safe havens for insects and birds,” Mr Lancaster said.
“We have rejuvenated sections of the park which were previously sprayed with herbicide every three weeks as they were too steep to mow.
“It was great to see so many staff take part in this healthy workplace team building activity.”
The Crepes for Change food truck, which uses all profits to tackle youth homelessness, provided the pancakes.
Council staff also helped 30 children from Montgomery Park Children’s Centre plant shrubs in the park on the day.
Staff brought their own water in a reusable bottle, and hot beverages were supplied in mugs as the event was free of single-use plastic, in line with Council’s aim to reduce waste and help the environment.
The event was a great opportunity to showcase Council’s environmental programs to staff that don’t always get to see the great sustainability work other staff members are doing.
