Nature in Canterbury Bankstown receives helping hand from residents

Milperra’s Jessica Somerville and her children are among the several volunteers who are crucial to enhancing the environment in Canterbury Bankstown

Thomas, Maggie and Joanne Somerville of Milperra, who have been planting trees since 2005.

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Canterbury Bankstown residents are making a major difference to the environment by actively planting and looking after trees.

The once barren Carysfield Park at Bass Hill is a successful example as the council marks National Tree Day this Sunday at Birrong’s Band Hall Reserve.

For Joanne Somerville, looking after the environment is something she and her family love, specially the wattle they first planted more than 10 years ago.

Thomas, Joanne and Maggie Somerville planting trees at Carysfield Park in 2014.

“It has become a family tradition in our household, even with my kids grown up and

one of them living away from home,” the Milperra local said.

Her children Maggie, now 18, and Thomas, 19, have joined her in looking after Carysfield Park since 2005.

“They are both really proud to see the landscape improve over the years and they

still visit their wattle every so often to see how much it has grown,” Ms Somerville said.

“These events are a great way for you to be part of the community, give back to our

local environment and even learn a new skill.”

This Sunday, Canterbury Bankstown Council is hosting a free tree planting event at Band Hall

Reserve (26 Ferrier Rd, Birrong), between 10am and 1pm.

Residents will not only get a free native plant seedling but will also receive advice from council staff on how best to grow native plants and household gardens. To top it off, there will be a free barbecue.

Maggie, Thomas and Joanne Somerville in front of some of the trees they have planted at Carysfield Park, Bass Hill.

The council said it will also supply more than 3,400 native plants to 45 local schools taking

part in Schools’ Tree Day, to plant on their grounds.

The council, which looks after the park, said the park is now a vibrant ecological ecosystem thanks to its support of National Tree Day and volunteers.

“I have seen myself what a massive difference our annual tree planting days have made on the City, since I was first elected to council in 2004,” Mayor Khal Asfour said.

“These annual events are a great way for our community to get their hands dirty and learn about protecting our parks and reserves for future generations to enjoy.

“The transformation of Carysfield Park was so successful, we branched out to Band

Hall Reserve.”

■ Details: cb.city/whatson

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