Dave, the tree manHenry had heard about the legend of Dave the Tree Man.Dave, formerly a farm and forest worker, had planted hundreds of trees on his properties, following a policy of planting twice as many as he cut down, earning him the title 'The Man Who Loved Trees'."We have to meet him," Henry said to his friends. "Anyone who plants trees is a friend of ours."So the group went—through bush trails and over hills—to find Dave. When Henry and his friends finally found Dave, he was digging in the rich brown earth. His hat was worn, his hands were muddy, and his smile was as warm as sunshine.“You must be Henry,” said Dave, wiping his hands. “I’ve heard of you—the Bunyip with a big heart!” Henry said, "Well, thank you. I have heard about you too." Henry introduced his friends, “We want to help! Can we plant a tree with you?" Dave’s blue eyes twinkled. “I was hoping you’d say that.”Dave handed out jobs. Kylie the koala gently held the tiny tree in her paws. Xena the magpie kept an eye out for worms, while William the wallaby carried the watering can, and Angus fetched the mulch. Beary Bear dug deep holes with his strong paws. Tilly and Teddy gathered the leaves, and Bob the dog found some bark.Henry helped place the small tree in the hole, holding it steady while Dave patted the earth around it. The tree was planted.“Every tree is a gift to the future,” said Dave. “And today, we have a new one to grow , it needs a name now too: how about Friendship Tree. They all agreed."One day," said Henry, "the friendship tree will give shade and shelter for new life." Dave nodded. “And when that day comes, you’ll know you were part of something big.”Feeling happy with the job, they then enjoyed a cup of tea and and a sticky bun and they agreed to meet another day soon and plant some more trees. For David Thompson, My Dad xx