We are overwhelmed with the support we have received from the community in response to the vandalism, including offers to help replant and appreciation for the hard work of our Parks team who manage our open spaces.  

Our efforts are now focused on replanting.  

As we move into summer, we move into a time of year that’s not suitable to plant.  

The best time to plant new trees and shrubs is between May and September, when the sun isn’t too hot and there’s rain to help the plants establish.  

We’re also at a point in the year when the planting season is over, and we won’t have access to the types of plants we want because of low or no stock — we purchase and plant particular plants from accredited nurseries that are grown in line with Australian standards. 

This means we’ll look to reinstate these trees as part of our 2025 planting season, from May 2025. 

This will allow us to order a variety of native and exotic plants suitable for Glen Eira and the urban environment, and that maximise long-term canopy benefits for our community, in line with our Urban Forest Strategy targets. 

Replacement trees will largely be like for like, although we will take the opportunity to review species in places where the previous plantings had challenges establishing.  

All of the trees that we plant are based on the principal of ‘right tree in the right place’. We select a mix of exotic and native trees based on the landscape character, the site-specific environmental conditions and the requirements/tolerances of the individual tree species. 

We’ll keep you updated and let you know about ways to get involved. 

As part of this, we’re also planning our annual Community Planting Week — an opportunity for the community to learn more about plants and their importance, and to take part in a community planting session at a local park.  

Keep an eye on our social media and Glen Eira News in early 2025 for updates. 

The vandalism took place between Friday 25 and Sunday 27 October at:  

• Caulfield Park, Caulfield   

• Marara Reserve, Caulfield South   

• Princes Park, Caulfield South  

• EE Gun Reserve, Ormond   

• Packer Park, Carnegie  

• Boyd Park, Murrumbeena   

• Mallanbool Reserve, Murrumbeena   

• Rosanna Street Reserve, Carnegie   

We have reported the vandalism to Victoria Police and investigations are ongoing.  

If you have any information about these events or witnessed suspicious behaviour at any of the locations mentioned between Friday 25 and Sunday 27 October, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or contact us on 9524 3333.