Sponsor sought for tree booklet

Locals and visitors have snapped up almost 6000 copies of the Drouin Tree Walks booklets in just six months.

The free booklet, detailing 12 walks of varying lengths within Drouin, was launched by the Friends of Drouin’s Trees during the Drouin Ficifolia Festival in February.

Elaine Ferguson said whilst it was wonderful that the booklets had attracted positive feedback and proved so popular, it wouldn’t be long until all 6000 copies have disappeared.

“It would be wonderful if we could have another print run done,” she said. “The locals may all have theirs, but we are aiming to help and attract the tourists of course.”

The Friends of Drouin’s Trees are urging any person or business interested in sponsoring a reprint to come forwards. As an added attraction, the current booklet has blank pages for potential advertising.

Whilst a gold coin donation or small cost could be introduced, Peter Ware said the group’s preference was finding sponsorship to keep the booklet available at no cost. “We do want to keep them free,” he said. Jeff Smith from Steam and Riddles said he uses the booklet as an introduction for visitors to the town.

“A lot of tourists are coming through and looking for things to do,” he said. “I think it’s been a very well-developed tool for tourists.”

Friends of Drouin’s Trees initially printed 2000 copies of the booklet but these disappeared within the first month. A reprint produced a further 4000 copies.

Grants from Baw Baw Shire Council and Drouin and District Community Bank helped cover these initial printing costs.

The booklet, which took some 18 months to put together, is now available in about 30 businesses in Drouin and six in Warragul.

Some businesses require booklets to be refreshed every week to keep up with demand.

Mr Ware said “you could take them (a box) up every week” to the Warragul Leisure Centre. “There are 24 in a box. That’s just an example”.

The group are also submitting several grant applications for a companion booklet, Birds of Drouin, of the same size and layout.

It follows Mr Ware, the group’s bird expert, recently identifying the 100th native bird in the residential area of Drouin.

“He has done so much community education that people are now asking for a bird booklet and I would say, are eagerly anticipating its production,” said Judy Farmer.

“It’s a really sensible next step as we need the trees to have the birds,” said Ms Ferguson.

For further information, visit facebook.com/pg/DrouinsTrees.