THE City of Whittlesea (CoW) is encouraging residents to roll up their sleeves and get involved in this year’s National Tree Day celebrations, with two community planting events planned at bunjil nganga Parkland Quarry Hills this July.
The events, scheduled for Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 26, will bring together volunteers of all ages to help plant thousands of indigenous trees and wildflowers as part of the City’s ongoing environmental restoration efforts.
Running from 10am to 1pm, the planting days offer an opportunity for residents to connect with nature, support local wildlife and contribute to a greener future for the municipality. Participants can attend either event or join both days for an even greater impact.
The community planting days form part of the Releaf Project, a major habitat restoration initiative aimed at restoring natural environments and creating thriving habitats for native wildlife across the City of Whittlesea.
Following a highly successful 2025 planting season, which saw more than 25,000 plants established across the parkland, Council is preparing to plant another 25,000 indigenous trees and wildflowers in 2026. The project is helping restore 44 hectares of habitat while providing vital food and shelter for threatened native species, including the endangered gang-gang cockatoo and tussock skink.
CoW Mayor Councillor Lawrie Cox said the planting days demonstrate the positive impact communities can have when working together.
“The community planting days are a powerful example of what can be achieved when people come together for the environment,” Cr Cox said.
“We are committed to a greener future for the City of Whittlesea. Each planting event helps grow our tree canopy, support local wildlife and make sure the community can enjoy the benefits of a healthier environment.”
Cr Cox said Council was inspired by the strong community participation at last year’s events and hopes even more residents will take part this year.
“We were so impressed by the community spirit at last year’s events that we’re now returning in 2026 to plant another 25,000 plants and we’d love even more people to get involved,” he said.
The planting program supports Council’s Greening Whittlesea – City Forest Strategy, which aims to increase the municipality’s green cover by 20 per cent by 2040. Thousands of trees have already been planted across the city as part of the long-term strategy to improve environmental resilience and enhance community wellbeing.
Residents attending the planting days are encouraged to bring gardening gloves, dress appropriately for the weather and carry a reusable coffee cup. A coffee van and sausage sizzle will be available on-site, while free face painting will ensure there is plenty of entertainment for children and families.
The Releaf Project is supported by the Victorian Government through the BushBank Program, which is restoring more than 20,000 hectares of land across Victoria to create wildlife habitat and capture carbon.
Community members interested in participating are encouraged to attend and help shape a greener, healthier future for Whittlesea.