Delungra Public School students were busy making a home for their local koalas last week.

They planted 40 white and yellow box trees at Railway Park after koalas had been spotted in the area.

Among those from the community who came to help and show support for the 29 students with the tree-planting project were parents, teachers, Delungra Landcare members, representatives from the local business community and council.

The project was made possible thanks to a Mitre 10 Junior Landcare Grants Program and Landcare's help in the application process.

Inverell Mitre 10's manager Stuart Mar said the grant helped teach students the importance of caring for the environment.

"It's a way for a local business to put back in the community," he said.

Volunteers from the Delungra and District Development Council worked to develop the ground at the park before the students planted the trees.

Rodney McGrath ripped the ground, while Harry McNaughton and Fred Dobner watered, sprayed the weeds and prepared the ground.

Delungra school principal Belinda Eddy said making the koala habitat was a chance for sections of the community to work together.

"It's an opportunity for the students to have a memento of their time at school and be conscious of the need to develop and support our environment and the habitats for our native animals," she said.

© 2006 Inverell Times

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