National Tree Day turns 30 this Sunday and we need your help to celebrate!
The annual event encourages Australians to get their hands dirty and do their bit for the environment. Locally, Wollongong City Council will host planting events in Horsley and Berkeley.
Volunteers will team up with Council staff to plant native grasses, shrubs and trees to enhance native vegetation diversity and provide habitats for native animals and fish along Robins Creek and the Lake Illawarra foreshore.
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said everyday should be tree day given the evergreen benefits they provide.
“Trees and plants cool our suburbs, reduce pollution, make our natural areas beautiful and provide food and shelter for native wildlife,” said Cr Brown.
“They also play an important role in stabilising river and creek banks and our coastal foreshore to prevent erosion during storms.
“This year marks 30 years since Planet Ark first hosted National Tree Day in 1996, but the message remains as important as ever.
“As we feel the effects of climate change through extreme weather, planting more trees and plants is something simple we can all do now to help build a greener future. That’s focus of our Urban Greening Strategy.”
The plantings will be held simultaneously from 9.30am to 10.30am at:
- Robbins Creek, 54 Huxley Drive, Horsley – Register to attend
- Holborn Park, Northcliffe Drive, Berkeley – Register to attend
Participants are asked to wear enclosed footwear, long pants and sleeves, and to bring a hat and water bottle. Gloves, tools and watering equipment will be supplied.
Celebrate at home
Residents can also get behind National Tree Day by planting a new tree or shrub in their yard.
“Our Garden staff tell me late winter is an excellent time for planting as cooler temperatures and winter rains reduce heat stress, allowing roots to establish deeply before the spring and summer heat.
“With 75 percent of the land in Wollongong being privately owned, we need everyone to contribute on their own patch to help improve our city’s canopy cover,” said Cr Brown.
If you can’t decide what to plant, come along to Wollongong Botanic Garden’s regular plant sales held on the third Friday of each month.
Our expert horticulturalists are on hand at each sale to help with advice and suggestions for your garden.
The next Greenplan Plant Sales are on 21 August and 18 September 2026.
