Tree Planting in the Wheatbelt

When Susan Downes bought Rivoli, a property 16km north of York, she could not predict the journey ahead. Soon after, she discovered that the hill on the property was named Mt Mackie, and from its summit, in 1830, was the first sighting of the Avon Valley by European explorers. While Susan recognises the European endeavours towards settlement, she also understands the devastation this brought to the local Aboriginal people. Her concern was then, not just for the important ecological restoration of the site but also to work with Aboriginal people to make this site, a place of healing and reconciliation. That leaves seven more planting seasons and years to work with Aboriginal people towards a day of acknowledgement, on 7th August 2023.

Susan’s vision has attracted a growing level of community support including the founding of the Friends of Mt Mackie. This group of volunteers has embarked upon an exciting journey of discovery to understand the endemic plants and wildlife of the site and determine the best methods for regeneration and creating wildlife habitat.

You and your family and/or friends are welcome to join us. Please register.