They may not wear capes, but the City of Parramatta's new Tree Champions are fast becoming local heroes by making their neighbourhoods a better place, one tree at a time.
As part of Council's Greening Parramatta program, hundreds of local residents have signed up to monitor more than 2,600 freshly planted trees across the City. The new trees will help reduce urban heat, support natural habitat and make suburban streets more attractive for years to come.
Northmead residents Jason and Dallas said they were keen to become Tree Champions because they wanted to make a difference in their neighbourhood. Their neighbours Steve, Marg and Doug have also signed up.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for people to work together and help make sure these trees have the best chance possible, so they can improve the streetscape and also cool the street down in summer," Jason said.
Parramatta residents Laura and Tim said they wanted to be Tree Champions so they could teach their children they too can make a difference.
"We wanted to show our kids how you can be involved in your local community to make things better and take small steps to help with climate change. We are excited to see lots more trees around Parramatta," Laura said.
The role of the Tree Champions is to monitor the newly planted trees in their street and neighbouring streets over a three-month period and let Council know if they need additional care. They are asked to do a check-in on their allocated trees, including sending a photo of each tree to Council.
"Through the Greening Parramatta program, we are helping our City and suburbs to be cooler, greener, more liveable and attractive for our residents now and into the future," City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Donna Davis said.
"The Tree Champions concept is a brilliant way of sharing the care for our newly planted trees.
"Our Tree Champions play such a valuable role in ensuring these young trees will mature and reach their full potential. Once grown, these trees will keep our City cool in the summer, provide a home for local wildlife, and make our streets more beautiful."
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said this successful program has been funded by the NSW Government in association with Local Government NSW.
"The Greening Our City grant program aims to increase tree canopy and green cover across the Greater Sydney Region by planting one million trees by the end of 2022," Mr Roberts said.
"I am very proud of this program and what we have been able to achieve to date. I look forward to celebrating the one millionth tree very soon."
Trees have been planted in streets and parks across the City of Parramatta, including Constitution Hill, Epping, Ermington, Granville, North Rocks, Northmead, Parramatta, Silverwater, Toongabbie and Winston Hills. Council will be maintaining the new trees with regular care and formative pruning over the first 12 months.
View an interactive map of where the trees have been planted and information on each tree.
