Earth Day turned 48 years-old and annual events were held across the globe to show support for protecting the environment and Mount Isa played an integral role.

Organiser of the Green Up event Melissa North said she created an event on social media and only expected a handful of friends to participate.

“The interest grew and soon I had 20 people coming then I received an email from the Buffs Club Volunteer Group saying they would love to lend their services, which was an additional 15 people.”

Ms North said she was pleased with how the community worked together to make the morning a success.

“Once I pitched the idea to Mount Isa City Council, they jumped into action, donating 40 trees and preparing the site with irrigation.

“The Mount Isa Landcare group, Southern Gulf NRM, Bunnings Hardware, and the Rotary Club all helped in their special ways,” Ms North said.

“The Landcare group assisted with insurance and donated drinks and food which was a welcome treat for the volunteers. Alison Dowling organised the Rotary Barbeque trailer for the free sausage sizzle and Bunnings Hardware donated garden shovels and other tools.

“Southern Gulf NRM’s business manager Maree Berlin provided me with invaluable help assisting in organising and providing funding for another 20 trees.

“I’d like to thank everyone who was involved on the day and also leading up to the event,” she said.