Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton recently caught up with Moree PCYC Manager Tayla Macey to hear about the PCYC’s plans to plant trees as part of the facility’s redevelopment.

Moree PCYC will soon be greener and shadier thanks to a $10,200 grant to plant trees to commemorate the dedicated service of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to the Commonwealth over the past 70 years.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the funding has been awarded to Moree PCYC through the Australian Government’s Planting Trees for the Queen’s Jubilee program.

“Throughout her 70-year reign, The Queen is said to have planted 1500 trees at community events and ceremonies as a long-lasting reminder of the special occasion for the people in those communities,” Mr Coulton said.

“This program is a way of honouring that legacy, while benefitting the environment and increasing the area of tree canopy in our local communities.

“Moree PCYC will use its funding to plant more than 30 trees around the facility, to complement the $2.7 million upgrade that is currently underway. Bottlebrush and citrus trees will be planted, along with grass tufts, to create a beautiful outdoor area which will only add to the new facilities once the project is complete.”

Moree PCYC Manager Tayla Macey said the new trees will give the facility an environmental boost.

“The mix of natives and fruit trees, when fully established will add many environmental benefits to the community in and around the club by promoting health and social wellbeing, removing air pollution, reducing stress, encouraging physical activity and lastly, creating a beautiful environment for our children,” Ms Macey said.

“The trees will also provide our employees and visitors with a place to rest and recharge away from technology which will improve our mental wellbeing.”

A total of seven projects in the Parkes electorate received funding to plant trees to commemorate the Queen’s Jubilee, with grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000.