Support

Willow is considered a noxious weed, an environmental pest that invades waterways choking rivers, creeks and streams. It was fact that Authorities in Australia had banned the planting of all Willow throughout the country and they were working tirelessly to remove this pest and restore the natural riparian environment along all watercourses. It was necessary for us to prove to authorities that cricket bat willow (Salix Alba Caerulea) did not fall into this category.

Special acknowledgment must go to the Centre for Forest Tree Technology (later the Forest Science Centre), Ecology Australia, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Upper Yarra Valley Dandenong Ranges Authority, Murray Darling Basin Fresh Water Research Centre, Melbourne Water, Shire of Healesville (later the Shire of Yarra Ranges) and the Minister of Sport, Recreation and Racing for their assistance and support throughout the compliance process.

On the 6th of January 1995 PERMITS to establish the first Cricket Bat Willow Plantation in Australia was granted.

Since that time we have received wide ranging encouragement and in particular we thank the following people:

The Late Sir Donald Bradman, Mr. Richie Benaud OBE, Mr. Neil Harvey, Mr. Arthur Morris, the Late Mr. Keith Miller, Mr. Dennis Lillee, The Late David Hookes, Mr. Rodney Hogg, Mr. Geoff Lawson, Mr. Greg Matthews, Mr. Jeff Moss, Mr and Mrs Lloyd Callen, Mr. Michael O'Sullivan, Mr. Doug Ackerly, Dr. David Flinn, Mr Ross Bickford, The Callen Agents and the Willow Blue growers.