The sun was shining brightly over Dharawal Country as volunteers gathered at the Lucas Heights Conservation Area for Greenfleet’s NSW Planting Event on Thursday 7 August 2025. This event brought together like-minded individuals and organisations to help restore native forests, enhance biodiversity, and take real climate action, one tree at a time.
Australian Mutual Bank was proudly represented by staff members Ania and Chloe, who joined Greenfleet representatives, members of the Sutherland Shire Council, and other corporate volunteers. Together, they rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty for a great cause.
The day began with a moving Acknowledgement of Country by Graham Avery, Natural Areas Aboriginal Heritage Officer from Sutherland Council, who shared his knowledge of the land’s deep cultural significance and reminded us of our shared responsibility to care for it.
Equipped with gloves, picks, and plenty of enthusiasm, volunteers spread out across three planting zones. Over the course of the day, an incredible 1,000 native trees and plants were planted including Sydney green wattle (Acacia decurrens), grey gum (Eucalyptus punctata), blady grass (Imperata cylindrica), and the endangered turpentine (Syncarpia glomulifera).
These plantings form part of the restoration of an endangered Ecological Community, the Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest, a critically important habitat that supports local wildlife such as koalas, possums, and native birds. The project also plays a vital role in absorbing carbon from the atmosphere, improving soil and water quality, and regenerating the natural landscape.
Chloe reflected on the experience: “It was a brilliant day that gave us the opportunity to step outside the office and contribute to restoring a beautiful native forest. It’s so rewarding to know this work will help bring biodiversity back to the area.”.
Ania echoed this sentiment, adding: "Amazing to see the work that Greenfleet has been involved in for over 25 years. A very rewarding experience to be a part of this fantastic initiative to help restore nature and take climate action."
Australian Mutual Bank is proud to support environmental initiatives like this as part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
We’re proud to partner with Greenfleet, Australia’s first carbon offset provider and a not-for-profit with over 25 years of climate action, we’re taking meaningful steps to protect the planet.
As part of this partnership, we're also planting a native tree or plant for every new member who joins our community. To kick things off, we’ve pledged over 700 native trees and plants, all to be planted in a forest dedicated to Australian Mutual Bank members. Click here to learn more about this amazing initiative.
