Mannas from Heaven project came about after watching the dieback occuring in Portland and surrounds. Hundreds of Manna Gums are stressed and dieing due to over foraging by koalas leading to dieback. These trees needed to be replaced. The nursery at the Community Gardens run by Gary Milich had offered 100 Manna Gum seedlings and ‘Mannas from Heaven’ was born.

In a public giveaway at the Glenelg library we heard many stories of dead Eucalypts and the public really wanted to replant Manna Gums for future koala food and habitat.

SEA met with Glenelg Shire Council’s Parks and Garden leader the following week and it was decided that the parks within Portland could be planted out with trees as they were already earmarked to be planted at some stage.

The weeks following seen us partner with Council and schools to plant out four parks. The first was Flinders Park, the second was King Street Reserve, the third was Portland South Hall and lastly Waratah Crescent Parkland. At least two had resident male koalas present.

King Street Reserve was planted out by Bundarra Primary Schools ‘Hand’s On’ crew. Both the South Portland Hall and Waratah Crescent Park were planted out by All Saints school. Waratah Crescent Parklands was a mixture of native plants to create habitat for the many native wildlife in the area. They all did such an amazing job and we’ve hopefully the next generation of SEA people will be among them.

Just when we thought we’d wrapped up for the year, another 130 Manna Gums were donated by Heather and Megan Rowsell. These were given away at another public giveaway at the SEA stand at the 2025 Upwelling festival. All of them went to good homes.