A PASSIONATE group of volunteers has done their bit for the planet by planting more than 1000 Banksias in Seaford in the last year.
The group is led by Ross Shepherd. His efforts have earned him the nickname “Banksia Man”.
Shepherd was handed a certificate at the May Frankston Council meeting recognising his hard work. He said he was “honoured and surprised” to receive the certificate, and declared the Seaford Banksia Arboretum Project a “community effort”.
“The project has contributed to significant community pride. The banksia flowers are beautiful,” he said.
Councillor Kris Bolam said Shepherd deserved the award as he had “set up the Seaford Banksia Arboretum Project, inspiring locals to get behind his inspirational vision to beautify the site and create something special the community can be proud of by removing weeds and rubbish and then planting 1000 banksias since May last year.”
“Ross is a green thumb who has a big heart for Seaford, huge passion and drive,” he said. “When he noticed two large blocks at the corner of Wells and Seaford roads were being used an unofficial rubbish tip, Ross sprang into action. Ross liaised with the owners, VicRoads, to establish a Roadside Revegetation Project.
First published in the Frankston Times – 29th May 2023