Members of the SSSIO NSW Region EnviroCare Team proudly participated in the National Tree Day community planting event held at Upjohn Park Reserve, Dundas, on Sunday, 26 July 2026.
National Tree Day is Australia’s largest community tree-planting and nature care event, established in 1996 by Planet Ark.
The local event was held on a beautiful sunny winter’s day, providing ideal conditions to enjoy the outdoors while contributing to an important environmental restoration project. The pleasant weather added to the positive atmosphere, enabling members to connect with nature, work alongside the community and take part in meaningful environmental service.
This free community event, organised by the Parramatta Council Bushcare Team, reflects Council’s long-standing commitment to National Tree Day. The event brought together community members, families and volunteers with a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and habitat restoration.
SSSIO members participated in planting a diverse mix of native trees, shrubs and groundcovers to support the restoration of the critically endangered Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest ecosystem. These efforts contribute to increasing biodiversity, strengthening wildlife habitat and improving the ecological health of the local environment.
The SSSIO team was represented by a dedicated group of 28 volunteers, including 5 children. While the group was relatively small, the focused effort and enthusiasm of the members resulted in a significant contribution to the day’s planting activities. An estimated 390 plantings were completed.
Several volunteers remained after the scheduled activity to complete additional plantings, demonstrating dedication and a strong spirit of service.
Apart from the environmental aspects of the event, it also fostered community engagement and fellowship. Members were provided with a complimentary vegetarian lunch sponsored by the organisers, creating a thoughtful, welcoming atmosphere for participants to connect and celebrate their collective achievement.
The SSSIO members really enjoyed the day’s activity in the company of other community members on such a worthwhile cause. One of the SSSIO participants shared:
“We need more Mother Nature in our lives. It was nice to have a small group focusing on the plantings.”
This reflection captured the spirit of the day. Although the group was modest in size, volunteers worked with enthusiasm and determination, resulting in a meaningful contribution to an important environmental restoration project. The activity provided an opportunity to reconnect with nature while serving the broader community and environment.
The SSSIO NSW Region EnviroCare Team extends its sincere appreciation to the Parramatta Council Bushcare Team for organising this successful event and to all members who generously contributed their time and effort.
“Love All, Serve All. Help Ever, Hurt Never.”
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