Owen Toyota works with Griffith Wiradjuri Aboriginal Preschool for National Tree Day

The team from Owen Toyota donated a variety of native trees and shrubs to be planted in the Griffith Wiradjuri Aboriginal Preschool’s yard recently, in honour of National Tree Day. 

Owen Toyota representative Sarah Taylor visited the preschool to speak about National Tree Day and why trees were so important for the environment and its ecosystems.

Her presentation included links to Country, with Ms Taylor sharing with the children the various ways trees were used to create tools, utensils and shelter for their Wiradjuri ancestors. A wooden Coolamon was passed around, a device which was commonly used for carrying things. 

To help the children with their planting, Owen Toyota also donated colourful gardening gloves and hats.

The day was organised by Griffith Wiradjuri Aboriginal Preschool educator Aunty Rebecca Garner who shared with local media that she was inspired to organise the day following the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We wanted to add it to the children’s program of calendar events, get more involved with community events and have those connections again,” Aunty Garner said.

She hopes the National Tree Day events will become a regular part of the preschool’s calendar.

“We try to get as involved as we can to expose the children to different learning experiences,” she said. “This is the first year we’ve done this, and it will continue.”

To read local coverage of this story, please see here.