GROWING TOGETHER & PLANTING FOR TOMORROW AT TULLY HEADS

Students, community members and local organisations will join forces on Gulngay Country to revegetate the Tully Heads foreshore as part of this year's National Tree Day. Photo source: Shutterstock

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In a region where rainforest meets reef, Planet Ark’s National Tree Day exists as a lovely opportunity for the community to come together, plant for the future and help protect the landscapes that make the Cassowary Coast such a special and beautiful place to live and visit.

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Community, conservation and the great outdoors will take centre stage on Wednesday, 22nd July, as Cassowary Coast Regional Council welcomes residents to plant trees together along the lush Tully Heads Foreshore in celebration of National Tree Day.

Residents are encouraged to arrive from 11:30am at the corner of Galmahra Road and Taylor Street, equipped with a water bottle, enclosed footwear and sun-smart clothing for an enjoyable afternoon of community planting.

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2026’s local planting effort will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Planet Ark initiative and focus on revegetating a section of the Tully Heads foreshore previously impacted by illegal clearing. Volunteers will plant clusters of native tube stock; including trees, shrubs and grasses suited to the local ecosystem, with the aim of stabilising the foreshore, reducing erosion, increasing biodiversity and creating valuable habitat for native wildlife.

Set to take place on Gulngay Country, the project will unite Cassowary Coast Regional Council, Girringun Aboriginal Corporation, Lower Tully State School students and members of the local community in a meaningful day of connection, conservation and giving back to the place they call home. For local students, the event offers more than just an opportunity to plant trees; it’s a chance to learn about Caring for Country, develop a deeper appreciation for the environment and play a hands-on role in protecting the wildlife and landscapes that make the Cassowary Coast so special.

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Better still, years from now, students will be able to return to Tully Heads and see the trees they planted standing tall, serving as a lasting reminder of the difference a community can make when it comes together.

Since its inception in 1996, Planet Ark’s National Tree Day has flourish into the country’s largest community tree planting and nature care event. In the Cassowary Coast, the nationwide movement focuses primarily on costal rehabilitation, and the conservation of habitats for native animals whilst allowing the community to connect and care for the nature in their own backyard.

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Over the past 30 years, volunteers have dedicated more than 10 billion hours to planting trees, restoring ecosystems and helping communities reconnect with nature. Although National Tree Day officially falls on the last Sunday of July, events are often tailored to local conditions, and, as Planet Ark reminds us, there's never a bad day to plant a tree.

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Residents are encouraged to RSVP via contacting Amber Kellett on 0436 801 950 or visit nationaltreeday.org.au for more information.

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What: National Tree Day Planting

When: Wednesday, 22nd July, 11:30am-1:30pm

Where: Taylor Street, Tully Heads Foreshore, Tully Heads

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