Tree guardian: Josie, age 14

Describe the personality or look of your tree.

Jordi, my tree, has a medium trunk, but which is quite short. Their branches spread in a dome shape, and they are not very tall. Jordi’s leaves are dark green, and they have smooth, chocolate brown bark.

Why is this tree important to you?

This tree holds memories that I treasure, spending time under it with friends and laughing, having picnics and so on. It is also close to Electra Playground, which, despite its remodelling, also holds many fond memories of playing on the old equipment and climbing in one of the bigger trees nearby.

What does a sustainable future look like in Monash?

To me, a sustainable future in Monash looks like one where there is lots of foliage, green power for public transport - hybrid, electric and hydrogen buses, a wide use of solar panels, a focus on recycling and mindful waste, the incorporation of young people in the community, and use of clean power in schools and workplaces.

What are you doing right now to create that future?

My family uses solar panels, has a compost bin, recycles paper, cardboard and soft plastics. We use the green bin provided by Council, and use public transport as much as possible. We don’t use plastic straws - rather paper or metal ones - take KeepCups and reusable shopping bags when going out, and we have only one car.

Where is your tree located?

Jordi is located at Electra Reserve (on High Street Road between Huntingdale Road and Warrigal Road, opposite a small strip of shops and a Car Wash) on the road side of the path. It is a little way away from the playground, and the big climbing tree next to it. It is a few metres away from a tall gum tree to the left of it when looking from the road.