It was a bittersweet moment for members of the Oberon community with the commencement of the harvest of Oberon Central School's forest on Thursday, February 3.
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In 1986 the education facility was gifted this block of land in the vision of creating a school forest and several students from kindergarten through to year 12 were involved in the planting of pine trees.
Oberon Sawmill, Forestry Corporation and Rotary Club of Oberon contributed to the development of the pine forest to financially benefit students of Oberon Central School.
The idea was to support the newly established timber industry and in the process of planting, growing, maintaining and harvesting the timber, it would in turn provide employment and revenue of local businesses.
Oberon Central School is one of two school's in the state to own a forest. Some students that planted trees 36 years ago are now valued staff members of both the now separate primary school and high school. They hold a variety of positions including administration, teaching and executive positions.
OHS and OPS have continued to work together to support and educate the students of Oberon and appreciate their unique ownership of a school forest.
They also appreciate the strong support from its local community and businesses.
At the heart of every community are students and children, and it is wonderful to see community businesses who employ ex-students, gaining localised work while supporting the regional timber industry as well as the local public schools.
All children at both schools now, and in the future, will benefit from the resources the schools are able to purchase from this harvest.
The timing of this harvest is perfect as it coincides with the community celebrating 150 years of education in Oberon.
Celebrations are planned for later in the year, and to acknowledge this milestone, students, ex-students, community members and local businesses will be invited to plant a pine tree as part of the replanting and rebuilding process.
Both schools wish to acknowledge and thank the following local businesses who are involved; Mangan Logging, John Bryne Contracting, Highland Pine Products, The Forestry Corporation, Plantation Pine Products and Oberon Earthmoving.
