The 2025 planting season for the KooyongKoot Alliance (KKA) and its members has come to an end. But KooyongKoot is very much alive and members are still working very hard.

In a record-breaking year, to 30th June 2025, it is estimated that over 80,000 plants have been planted by the KKA and its 24 member groups, and about 21,000 volunteer hours have been generated. That’s nearly 25 % up from last year. A huge effort!
These amazing figures repudiate the view that volunteerism is on the decline.
Activities
Our groups not only revegetate, but carry out WaterWatch testing, do citizen science, hold educational events, install native habitat homes, give talks, as well as carry out the ongoing care for established revegetation areas. We are a busy crew.

The KKA member groups offer those wanting to volunteer several choices. There will always be a group that is a great fit for you. Our photo shows a team about to install newly constructed nest boxes for selected species – and our highlight photo for this post shows a box occupied by new tenants enjoying their cozy abode as caught on camera. Check out our members page for further information.
Our 2025 flagship revegetation programmes have focused on bringing many different community groups together. At our Gardiners Creek Reserve Greenlinks project, the KKA, together with Urban Guerrillas and Friends of Gardiners Creek Reserve, have involved over 15 other community groups.
As well, they have carried out corporate planting days for organisations keen to allow their staff to get their hands dirty and make a difference. So popular have the community events been, that the six planting days were done through capped ticketing!! Other major planting events across the catchment, from Blackburn Lake to Markham Reserve have also been really well attended.
This is testimony to the Friends groups, our community and the product we offer, one that brings hope, happiness and community, things we all need and love.
What’s Next ?
As some of our supporters take a bit of a breather, our groups are now turning their attention to next year’s plantings, site preparation and organising plant orders, as well as filling in grant applications. We hope to build further on our continuing growth and the public support, especially from young people. We are all creating a positive legacy by what we are doing… what greater reward could a person wish for?

We are also heading into summer with another KooyongKoot Clean Waterways Expo, this time not at Blackburn Lake, but being held towards the other end of the catchment on Gardiners Creek at Glen Iris. This will be supported by Boroondara Council.
- The focus is on litter, pollution, stormwater and providing insights into their relationship. Also discussed will be what we can do as individuals, business owners, consumers and advocates to clean up our creek, as well as caring for our biodiversity.
- We will have over 12 interactive stalls and a series of guest speakers through the day. It will not only be a great learning experience, but a heap of fun too. Check it out on our website’s KKA events page. Save Saturday, 29th November 10:00-14:00 in your calendar!! More details to follow.
So, the KKA is very much alive and kicking and is working towards an even more productive 2026!!