Yarra Ranges families with new additions can make new friends, learn about services close to home and improve the environment.
Yarra Ranges Council is hosting its first Growing Together Tree Planting Day from 10am to 1pm on Sunday 15 September.
Council staff will be on hand to help and the Rotary Club of Lilydale will put on a sausage sizzle.
“When you’re a new parent, you might know about maternal and child health services and playgroups but it can be hard to know the full extent of what’s available close to home – and harder to get out of the house and make new friends,” Mayor Tony Stevenson said.
“This event will be a chance to celebrate our new arrivals as a community, a chance for parents to meet one another and put their green thumbs to use, and for them to learn about family and children’s services in their area.”
Cr Stevenson said the best part was that families could revisit the lake in years to come and reflect on how the plants and friendships had grown.
Hayley Thompson, a parent of four, said the event would help new parents to feel like they were part of the community.
“Planting is something we want to experience with our kids, though we don’t always get around to doing it together at home,” she said.
“Apps and social networks can be a great way of staying connected but making first contact and meeting up in person is so important for grown-ups and kids alike.”
The free Growing Together event will start with a welcome to country and smoking ceremony, and finish with the sausage sizzle.
Attendees should meet at the Lillydale Lake Community Room at 10am and follow signage.
Visit yrc.vic.gov.au/growingtogether for more information and to register.
