A cherished pocket of damp forest, Gembrook Park is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, marking three decades of dedicated care by the Friends of Gembrook Park.
To mark the milestone, the Friends of Gembrook Park are combining their anniversary celebration with this year’s Cardinia Shire Seniors’ Festival, hosting a special event on Thursday, 23 October.
The day will begin at 10am with an introduction to the park, followed by a guided walk, planting of a token plant, and a casual lunch.
The public is invited to attend, with a particular welcome extended to older community members, although all are encouraged to take part in this unique opportunity to connect with the natural environment.
Nestled just 200 metres south of Gembrook township, the 29-hectare reserve, which boasts a mix of stunning native vegetation and two towering Californian Redwood trees, has been a community effort since the group and Cardinia Shire officially began their partnership in 1995.
The secretary of the Friends of Gembrook Park, Merle Mathisen reflected on the significant changes the park has seen over the last three decades.
“After 30 years of care, we’ve made real progress in improving how stormwater is managed as it enters the park,” she said.
“The removal of invasive ‘woody weeds’, like English Holly, Sycamore Maple, and Wild Tree Tobacco, has had a significant impact, and today we’re focused on managing the smaller seedlings that may pop up from time to time. This work has helped to increase the park’s biodiversity.”
The park has also become an educational resource for local schools, with both primary and secondary students now regularly visiting to learn about conservation and the importance of bushland.
The unique history of Gembrook Park, which was first established in 1873 by the Zoological and Acclimatisation Society, continues to inspire current conservation efforts.
“The history of the park, especially the introduction of species and its role in early scientific exploration, really drives the work we do today,” Ms Mathisen said.
“It’s a reminder that protecting such areas not only preserves biodiversity, but also honours a legacy of environmental stewardship.”
As the anniversary event approaches, the Friends of Gembrook Park are keen to share the park’s beauty with others.
The celebration will offer attendees a ‘taste’ of what it’s like to walk through this precious forest.
“We want people to understand why old trees are so important. They provide nesting hollows for birds and possums, and they’re a crucial part of the ecosystem,” Ms Mathisen said.
“Everyone can play a role in supporting conservation efforts, whether by maintaining their own properties free of weeds that could spread into the park, or by volunteering to help out.”
Despite the group’s successes, the challenges of conservation work remain.
“The biggest struggle is finding enough willing hands to help with the ongoing task of weed control,” Ms Mathisen said.
“We hope this event will inspire others to get involved, whether it’s taking a walk in nature or joining a local friends group. We need all the help we can get to ensure the park is preserved for future generations.”
The 30th-anniversary event at Gembrook Park promises to be both a celebration of the past and a call to action for the future.
The Friends of Gembrook Park are inviting all to take part in a special morning that highlights the importance of volunteering, preserving our natural spaces, and enjoying the beauty of the park.
Attendees are encouraged to wear long sleeves, pants, sturdy shoes, and a hat, and to bring water and gloves for the planting activity.
This community-driven event is not just a celebration of 30 years of conservation, but an invitation to join the ongoing effort to protect and nurture one of Gembrook’s most treasured natural spaces.
