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>> 02/June/2011 - Holden Volunteers Celebrate At Westgate Park

To celebrate the United Nation's World Environment Day, a group of Holden volunteers, including Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mike Devereux, took part in a planting activity at Westgate Park yesterday. Over 450 shrubs and grasses were planted.

Holden has worked with Landcare Australia since 2002, supporting revegetation projects around its major facilities in Port Melbourne and Lang Lang, Victoria, as well as Elizabeth, South Australia. To date, around 140,000 seedlings have been planted, covering an area equivalent to almost 4,000 tennis courts with native vegetation.

The Holden Landcare projects have been tailored to meet the different environmental requirements of each area. At Westgate Park in Fishermans Bend, Victoria, Holden employees have partnered with community groups and local schools to restore the former landfill site for over eight years.

Holden is the longest continuous corporate sponsor of the Friends of Westgate Park. This project has been extremely successful and has provided habitat for park birds, animals and two species of frogs.

Holden has also been a major supporter in restoring and improving wetland habitat for the endangered growling grass frog.  Still a work in process it is hoped that in the near future this area will support a growling grass frog population and make an important contribution to the species’ survival.

Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mike Devereux, yesterday said the Landcare partnership is a fantastic example of how long-term corporate commitment can effect real environmental change.

"We have worked with Landcare for over eight years to protect the environments around our facilities in Victoria and South Australia," Mr Devereux said.

"Because of the longevity of our partnership, many Holden employees feel very passionately toward the Westgate Park project and their contribution to the survival of the growling grass frog.

"We are delighted to be able to celebrate World Environment Day by making a further contribution to Westgate Park."

Landcare Australia CEO Heather Campbell said Holden’s ongoing employee volunteering has made a significant impact on the local environment.

"The support from Holden has helped rehabilitate native habitats and restored biodiversity at Westgate Park and this is because Holden’s commitment is not only financial; their contribution includes staff getting their hands dirty by regularly volunteering." said Heather Campbell.

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