THE 2026 school year has been ushered in with some impressive new furniture thanks to a timber donation from the Yan Yean Road Upgrade – Stage 2.
The crew has been busy donating tonnes of logs, mulch, tree branches, and soil from the project to nearby community groups including Yarrambat Horse and Pony Club and Plenty Valley Christian College to use on their grounds
The first round of reused timber has made its way to its new home at Doreen Primary School, with Paul McKay from Julia’s Onsite Timber Milling, hard at work turning the logs into benches for the school grounds.
The flat-top benches have been created from timber, and it gives parents and students a great place to sit. Donating this timber to local schools and community groups is part of the plan to give vegetation and trees a purposeful second life after removal.
State Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage said: “We’re proud to support reuse and recycling opportunities across our projects and it’s part of building a better Yan Yean Road. Whether they’re logs, branches, mulch or even the root balls, we’re ensuring every removed tree gets a second life locally to benefit the local community.”
“These benches are just the start for Doreen Primary School thanks to our Yan Yean Road Upgrade timber donation.”
Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell said: “It’s fantastic to see timber from the Yan Yean Road Upgrade being reused right here at Doreen Primary School, creating something practical and lasting for our local families.”
“By giving these trees a second life, we’re supporting our local schools, reducing waste and delivering unique character filled furniture for all to enjoy.
”In the coming months works around the intersection of Yan Yean, Bridge Inn, and Doctors Gully roads will focus on building up the foundation for the new traffic light intersection and relocating underground utilities. Crews will mainly work behind barriers while the roads remain open for drivers as normal.”
