Shire of Plantagenet enlists Mt Barker Community College students to help with banksia planting

Mt Barker Community College Year 10 humanities students took a break from the classroom last week to work alongside Shire of Plantagenet staff in the Mt Barker Visitor Centre garden.

Students learned how to plant native banksias, which were donated by local banksia enthusiast Kevin Collins.

Mr Collins and his wife Kathy established the world’s only complete collection of banksia species at the Banksia Farm in Mt Barker, which closed to the public in 2018, but still operates as a bed and breakfast.

Shire parks and gardens works manager Kevin Hemmings said the partnership was back after a two-year COVID-19-related hiatus.

“This partnership was instigated by leading hand Terry ‘Chocka’ Williams and is about helping students find success outside of the classroom,” Mr Hemmings said.

“During September, students will have the opportunity to work alongside our team, gaining employable skills and developing a sense of community.

“They will help improve and liven up public spaces to encourage them to take ownership of the space and fostering a sense of community pride.”

Mt Barker Community College associate principal Callum Gribble said the partnership enabled the students to get a feel for a workplace and demonstrate their work ethic and problem-solving skills to a potential future employer.

“It’s also great for the community to see teenagers giving back to our town in such a positive way,” Mr Gribble said.