Fir real, Goulburn Valley Tree Group is turning 40

By Taylah Baker

Mar 11, 2025

**Goulburn Valley Tree Group nursery manager Deb Lynch invites all past and present members and the public to celebrate.** Photo by Rechelle Zammit

It’s been 40 years since the Goulburn Valley Tree Group put down literal roots in Tatura.

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To celebrate this milestone, the nursery invites the public to join group members on Tuesday, March 18, for a morning tea of cake and coffee and ample opportunities for past and present volunteers to connect and reminisce.

The nursery, located at 6 Kerferd St in Tatura, will also showcase a variety of plants for sale in anticipation of its opening season, which begins on Saturday, April 12.

“We’ve done a lot of work to get our plants ready to go,” nursery manager Deb Lynch said.

“Everybody can turn up on Tuesday morning to purchase some plants and help us celebrate.”

Over the past four decades, GV Tree Group has experienced significant changes, particularly in its procedures.

However, its commitment to cultivating plants buyers can rely on has remained constant.

The focus has always been on local species, with an increasing emphasis on indigenous plants to help protect backyard oases against the humid, hot climate of Australia.

Not only has each year been slightly hotter than the last, but the region has had its fair share of climatic disasters in recent years.

Ash-clogged air from fires, battered by rain and wind during floods, and persistent dry spells that leave every patch of green parched — it’s hard to believe that some don’t recognise it as the looming threat of climate change.

Ms Lynch is not one of those people.

“I truly believe climate change is a reality, and we all have to try and do what we can to make our climate a better place,” she said.

With this in mind, the GV Tree Group has no specific plans for the future, focusing instead on the present, which includes supporting its army of green-thumbed volunteers.

Although, the group could use some sprouts.

“We would really love the GV Tree Group to keep going, but we’re all getting older and have a few more aches and pains,” Ms Lynch said.

“We’re hoping that some young people will come in and help us so that we can continue.

“We want longevity — it’s been 40 years, and we’re hoping it can keep ticking over and, in a small way, make a big difference.”

Goulburn Valley Tree Group will celebrate its 40th anniversary on Tuesday, March 18, from 9am to 11.30am, at its nursery at 6 Kerferd St, Tatura.

Starting Saturday, April 12, the nursery will be open every Tuesday and Saturday from 9am to 11.30am.

For more information, call 0400 059 765 or email goulburnvalleytreegroup@gmail.com