Students helped mark a new chapter in caring for the environment at Blayney Eco Hub this week, planting trees following the launch of the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst’s Tree Protection Plan.
Bishop Michael McKenna launched the plan on Tuesday, 1 September, coinciding with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. Described by the Diocese as the first of its kind in Australia, the initiative combines protection for existing trees with a commitment to increase tree cover.
Community members, students from regional Catholic schools, federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee and members of the diocesan Laudato Si’ group gathered for the occasion.
Following the launch, students planted trees at the Eco Hub, giving the day’s message a practical expression and contributing to the future greenery of the Blayney site.
The plan covers trees on land in the Diocese’s care, including schools, parishes, presbyteries and cemeteries. It aims to prevent unnecessary removal and inappropriate pruning, helping trees remain healthy for years to come.
It also sets a target of increasing tree canopy cover across diocesan land to 30 per cent. The Diocese says greater canopy cover will help build resilience to environmental challenges, including drought, flooding and a changing climate.
For communities across the region, the policy brings environmental care into familiar places, from school playgrounds and parish gardens to the grounds surrounding churches and cemeteries.
The diocesan Laudato Si’ group developed the plan in consultation with Catholic Education and other stakeholders, drawing inspiration from a similar initiative established by the Irish Bishops’ Conference in 2023.
Bishop McKenna emphasised that caring for our common home requires practical action wherever the Church has responsibility and an opportunity to make a difference. Bishop McKenna was clear that good intentions were most useful when the first step was taken, no matter how small.
The Blayney Eco Hub was a fitting setting for the launch. Based at the St James’ Parish presbytery, it is a diocesan project focused on ecological education, spirituality and advocacy.
