Arbor Day coincides with centenary
Students from Colonel Light Gardens Primary School planted trees at Doncaster Avenue Reserve War Memorial as part of City of Mitcham’s Arbor Day celebration last month.
Joined by City of Mitcham Councillors and Council staff, students planted 10 semi-mature jacaranda trees at the reserve in a year that coincides with the school’s centenary.
Colonel Light Gardens Year 6 student Will said it was nice to have the chance to plant trees for wildlife.
“This particular spot is really special because of the war memorial; the community gathers here on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day,” he said. “Planting trees is really fun and we should always try to look after our trees and environment.”
City of Mitcham Horticulture Officer David Sheldrick spoke about Colonel Light Gardens’ history as a garden suburb developed by town planner Charles Reade to incorporate wide tree-lined streets, parks and gardens.
By 1932, 2,500 trees had been planted and today the suburb is protected as a State Heritage Area. Many of the original trees planted in 1921 line the streets today.
Colonel Light Gardens Primary School celebrated its centenary with a series of events during 2026 including an open day, centenary exhibition and fete last month.