On Thursday 28th August 2025, Greater Sydney Landcare welcomed 11 corporate volunteers from Argon & Co. The team joined us to support our Creating Canopies project, taking on the big challenge of planting 1,700 native trees and shrubs, plus 1,200 grassesโwhich were supplied by the City of Canterbury Bankstown.
The planting took place at Carysfield Park in Bass Hill, in partnership with the City of Canterbury Bankstown. Together, the team helped increase biodiversity and habitat, and added much-needed greenery to the area.
Tackling Urban Heat Through Tree Planting
Creating Canopies is about more than just trees โ itโs about cooler, healthier suburbs. By increasing canopy cover in LGAs with under 30%, the project works to reduce urban heat, improve air quality, and provide shade for people plus habitat for wildlife. Itโs about making our suburbs more liveable into the future.
The dayโs work focused on planting species from the Castlereagh Ironbark Forest plant community type. Argon & Co planted gum trees (Eucalypts), paperbarks (Melaleucas), sheoaks (Allocasuarina), hakeas, wattles (Acacias), bottlebrushes (Callistemon), Sweet Bursaria, Coffee Bush (Breynia oblongifolia), Hop Goodenia (Goodenia ovata), Rice Flower (Ozothamnus diosmifolius), Large-leaf Hop Bush (Dodonaea triquetra), Tick Bush, and Australian Indigo.
These native plants will strengthen the health and resilience of this precious patch of urban bushland.
Digging In to Get It Done
The event was guided by Creating Canopies Project Manager Danielle Hughes, Project Officer Alicia Harb-Akins, Revegetation Officer Ryan Birtles, and Environmental Restoration Officer Peter Cartwright.
Alicia praised the Argon & Co teamโs enthusiasm: โGreat volunteers. Good group. They brought such a positive energy to the day and really worked hard to get the plants in the ground. Weโd love to see them back again in the future.โ
Caring for the Plants After the Event
Although the day was windy, the team’s efforts didnโt end with planting. Danielle and Alicia watered in two-thirds of the seedlings on the day, and Ryan returned the following afternoon to give them all another drink, as the dry wind was pulling moisture from the soil quickly.
This vital aftercare helps ensure the plants thrive, turning the Argon & Co group’s hard work into lasting environmental benefits for the park and surrounding community.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
When corporate teams like Argon & Co dedicate their time to projects like Creating Canopies, the impact is felt long after the day itself. Every tree planted contributes to cooler suburbs, increased wildlife habitat, and a greener, more resilient Greater Sydney. Corporate volunteering is a powerful way for teams to increase connections and resilience, and help nature thrive.
Thank you to the City of Canterbury Bankstown for partnering with us and volunteering this site for increased canopy cover, and thank you to Argon & Co for rolling up their sleeves and actively supporting this valuable work.
Volunteer for Bushcare in Canterbury-Bankstown
If youโd like to contribute to environmental efforts in the Canterbury-Bankstown LGA, you can become a Bushcare volunteer and regenerate bushland. No experience is necessary as training is provided.
Corporate Volunteering with Greater Sydney Landcare
Contact Greater Sydney Landcare today to discover how your organisation can benefit from a tailored corporate volunteering experience.
Find out more about Corporate Volunteering with Greater Sydney Landcare here. Be sure to download our Corporate Volunteering Info Pack.
