Celebrating 35 years of impact

Threatened Species Commissioner, Gregory Andrews, Greening Australia CEO Brendan Foran, Minister for Environment and Energy, Josh Frydenberg and President of Greening Australia, Gordon Davis.

Greening Australia is celebrating 35 years of returning life to landscapes with a series of events across the country.

Established in 1982, the organisation has worked to protect and restore landscapes across Australia through collaborative, science-based and innovative conservation programs. The impact has been significant – over 40 million trees planted, 350,000 hectares of habitat created and over 11,000 landholders engaged.

One hundred and fifty members of parliament, supporters, volunteers and partners joined Greening Australia at Parliament House in Canberra on 6 September to mark the occasion.

Ngunnawal elder, Aunty Violet Sheridan

“We started conserving and restoring landscapes 35 years ago and we haven’t stopped since. Today, we have over 150 staff in 30 teams across the country who are working to create healthy productive landscapes where people and nature thrive,” said CEO of Greening Australia, Brendan Foran.

Guest speakers on the evening included the Minister for Environment and Energy, Josh Frydenberg, Ngunnawal elder, Aunty Violet Sheridan, and long-term supporter and philanthropist, Robert Pennicott from Pennicott Wilderness Journeys.

Minister Frydenberg took the opportunity to acknowledge Greening Australia’s collaborative approach and significant contribution to Australia’s environment, economy and communities.

The event also served as the launch of Greening Australia’s five new national programs: Reef Aid, Tasmania Island Ark, Great Southern Landscapes, Thriving on Country and Nature in Cities.

“We are a very people focused organisation and here in our 35th year it is a time to celebrate the tremendous successes but also an important opportunity to make a very forward focused statement about the next 35 years.”

Mr Foran took the opportunity to acknowledge the government and private donors for their support.

“The most important part of our programs is the work that we do with people and communities and our staff and volunteers lead the way. Not only is the government a tremendous supporter of our work but increasingly philanthropic donors, like Rob Pennicott from Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, are playing a huge role in the work we are doing,” said Brendan.

Other 35 year events are being held in all major cities across Australia with the next one taking place in Melbourne on 12 October.

Click here to view the presentations from the Canberra 35 year event.