Jamie Durie helps young gardeners for National Tree Day celebrations

JAMIE Durie was at Manly West Public School yesterday as part of a National Tree Day event.
The former Backyard Blitz and Oprah star joined with pupils and young people from Bushlink disability employment initiative to help the school with its kitchen garden, which was set up this year.

Durie worked with his young charges in the garden formed teams to plant vegetables, build a scarecrow and helps with composting and mulching activities.

He also ran a workshop on the benefits of getting into the outdoors and engaging with the natural environment.

The visit was a reward to the school after they about $1000 for Bushlink as part of a fundraising challenge run earlier this year.

As a National Tree Day and Bushlink ambassador, Durie said teaching young people to value the fruits of nature helped them grow up happy and healthy.

“It is important to embrace nature and teach the next generation to appreciate the environment and the impact it has in their day to day lives,” he said.

The event was part of Schools Tree Day, in which schools around Australia take part in National Tree Day activities focused on environmental sustainability.

Schools Tree Day is officially July 25, but schools can run events at a day of their choosing.

To organise a Schools Tree Day or National Tree Day event, go to www.treeday.planetark.org.

Bushlink is an organisation that provides employment opportunities on the northern beaches for people with an intellectual disability.

Andrew Priestley, Manly Daily
June 26, 2014 3:00pm

Jamie Durie helps young gardeners for National Tree Day celebrations