National Tree Day at Yarraman Park

Published on 02 August 2026

Community comes together for National Tree Day at Yarraman Park

Around 30 community members braved wet and windy conditions to plant 333 locally indigenous trees, shrubs and groundcovers at Yarraman Park during Glenelg Shire Council's inaugural National Tree Day event.

National Tree Day, held annually on the last Sunday of July, is Australia's largest community tree planting and nature care event. Established by Planet Ark in 1996, the day encourages people to get outdoors, connect with nature and contribute to their local environment.

While Council has a long history of supporting revegetation projects alongside dedicated Landcare and volunteer groups across the Shire, this year marked the first time Glenelg Shire Council hosted its own National Tree Day event, coordinated by the Parks and Gardens team.

Yarraman Park, located on the western fringe of Portland, was selected as the planting site as part of Council's developing biodiversity and wildlife corridor program. The reserve also plays an important role in the Yarraman Park Master Plan, which identifies opportunities to enhance habitat and ecological connectivity across the area.

Despite the challenging weather, volunteers of all ages turned out to support the planting effort.

The locally indigenous advanced trees, native shrubs and tubestock were selected for their ecological value. All plants were propagated from locally sourced seed or cuttings and grown at the Portland Botanic Gardens Nursery or supplied by local not-for-profit community groups.

As the vegetation establishes, it will help strengthen habitat links across the reserve and support a range of native species found in the Portland area, including koalas, possums, parrots, insects and other local fauna.

The event brought together Council staff, community volunteers and families, with children enthusiastically joining in alongside experienced environmental advocates and local organisations. Even a keen kelpie-cross joined in the planting effort.

Support was also provided by Councillor Dr Mary Picard, Southwest Environmental Alliance President Lynn Murrell, former SEA Landcare facilitators, and representatives from South West Environmental Education and the Great South West Walk.

Local Rotary member Gordon Page helped keep volunteers warm throughout the morning by providing hot chocolate and coffee.

Planting was completed in areas identified within the Yarraman Park Master Plan, contributing to the long-term vision for the reserve and helping to enhance ecological connections across the site.

Mayor Karen Stephens said the day’s success reflected the community’s shared commitment to caring for the local environment.

“It was fantastic to see so many people braving the weather to be part of Glenelg Shire Council’s first National Tree Day planting event,” Cr Stephens said.

“The enthusiasm shown by volunteers of all ages demonstrates how much our community values the natural environment and the future of our public spaces.

The hundreds of native trees planted during the day will leave a lasting legacy at Yarraman Park, helping to enhance the area for future generations.

On behalf of Council, I would like to sincerely thank every community member who attended and rolled up their sleeves to help. I would also like to thank our local community groups, volunteers and Council staff whose support helped make the day possible.

We look forward to delivering more tree planting days in partnership with community groups across the shire.”

Glenelg Shire Council thanks everyone who attended and contributed to the planting day, helping create a greener and more welcoming Yarraman Park for future generations.