Interest is soaring in a Rotary-led project in Geelong and the Bellarine to improve nature strips, with less than 40 places left.
The Greening City of Greater Geelong initiative started in 2025, when the Rotary Clubs of Geelong and District received a small grant from the city to help locals plant out 20 nature strips, using draft guidelines provided by the city.
Barb Sheehan from the Rotary Club of Highton said the idea was inspired by a Rotary Club in Balwyn, which had rejuvenated more than 50 nature strips in the area.
After the huge success of the pilot project, which generated so much interest it led to a waiting list, Rotary was invited to do it again this year but on a larger scale.
Rotary received a Climate Change Partnership Grant from the city and is now collaborating with Coast Care to help 100 homeowners in Geelong, North Bellarine and Ocean Grove create a garden on their nature strip.
Interest is again high, with only 35 places remaining as of Tuesday.
The works are being supported by a grant from the City of Greater Geelong. Photo: Rotary Club of Highton.
Only indigenous plants are being used, to attract pollinators and reduce heat stress.
The plantings are also attracting assistance from people passing by. “I was out digging up the grass on my strip and neighbours appeared with shovels to help,” one participant said – which Rotary says is an intangible benefit contributing to a vibrant society.
Anyone interested in joining the project to work on their own nature strip should head to hightonrotary.com and fill out an expression of interest form.
Anyone who would like to volunteer to help others can email [email protected]
Rotary is working with Coast Care to plant gardens on nature strips. Photo: Rotary Club of Highton.
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