What’s happening?
Rockhampton Regional Council is inviting the community to celebrate National Tree Day on Sunday, 26 July.
The event will be held at Bill Crane Park, 222 Elphinstone Street, Rockhampton. Locals will be able to take part in community tree planting sessions throughout the morning.
Council is encouraging families, first-time volunteers and long-time supporters to register for their preferred session time. The day is designed to bring residents together while improving a well-used local green space.
Why it matters?
National Tree Day has become a major annual event for communities across Australia. In Rockhampton, it has also become a practical way for locals to care for their own environment.
Councillor for Environmental Sustainability Elliot Hilse said the event continues to grow in popularity. He said it brings people together to connect with and care for the natural environment.
“National Tree Day is Australia’s largest community tree-planting event, and this year marks its 30th anniversary,” Cr Hilse said.
“Council is proud of its long-standing involvement, and of the genuine pride our community takes in supporting our local environment.
“Thanks to the efforts of hundreds of local participants, more than 3,000 native plants have taken root across the Rockhampton Region over the past few years alone.
“It’s an exciting reminder that local involvement can deliver big results for our environment.”
Cr Hilse said Council would love to welcome the community to this year’s event.
“Whether you’re a first-time volunteer or a long-time supporter, this is a rewarding way to roll up your sleeves, meet like-minded people and leave a positive legacy for future generations,” he said.
Local Impact
This year’s event will add new native plantings to Bill Crane Park, a popular local green space.
Divisional Councillor Grant Mathers said Council was pleased to bring the event to the park this year. He said the planting sessions would give residents a simple way to support their neighbourhood.
“We’re really excited to host this year’s event at Bill Crane Park,” Cr Mathers said.
“There are three one-hour planting sessions available, and registrations are now open.
“It’s a great opportunity to bring the family along, get outdoors and take part in something hands-on that everyone can feel proud of.”
The plantings will do more than improve the look of the park. Council said they will support local wildlife, boost biodiversity and provide more shade and cooling for the area.
“These plantings will enhance habitat for local wildlife, increase biodiversity and add greater shade and cooling in the area,” Cr Mathers said.
“They will also help create a more resilient and attractive space for the community to enjoy both now and into the future.”
Participants will also receive a free native plant to take home. That will allow residents to continue the benefits in their own backyard.
“As a thank you for taking part, participants will also receive a free native plant to take home and continue the benefits in their own backyard,” Cr Mathers said.
By the numbers
- The 2026 event marks the 30th anniversary of National Tree Day, showing its long-running role in community planting across Australia.
- More than 3,000 native plants have taken root across the Rockhampton Region in recent years, supported by hundreds of local participants.
- Bill Crane Park will receive 600 native plants this year, helping improve wildlife habitat, biodiversity, shade and cooling.
Zoom In
The planting sessions will be held at Bill Crane Park, 222 Elphinstone Street, Rockhampton.
Residents can register for one of three one-hour sessions across the morning.
Session 1 starts at 8 am: https://nationaltreeday.org.au/site/10031878
Session 2 starts at 9 am: https://nationaltreeday.org.au/site/10031879
Session 3 starts at 10 am: https://nationaltreeday.org.au/site/10031880
Registrations are now open, and Council is asking residents to choose their preferred session time.
Zoom Out
National Tree Day gives communities a direct role in improving local parks, streets and green spaces.
For Rockhampton, the event also supports a wider effort to protect native habitat and create cooler public areas. It gives residents a hands-on way to support the environment without needing to travel far from home.
The work done at Bill Crane Park will form part of the region’s growing record of community planting.
What To Look For Next?
With registrations now open, Bill Crane Park is set to welcome volunteers on Sunday, 26 July.
The new plantings should help the park become cooler, greener and more inviting for families, residents and local wildlife.
