On Sunday 26 July, Durban traded the usual workday routine for gloves, tree guards, and plenty of community spirit as we joined Manningham’s National Tree Day 2026 at Mullum Mullum Reserve.
And what a morning it was!
More than 800 volunteers rolled up their sleeves and helped plant over 12,000 native trees, shrubs, and grasses along the Mullum Mullum Creek corridor, making it one of the largest National Tree Day events in Australia.
Durban was proud to be right there in the middle of it — and even prouder that this marked our second year joining in on this fantastic community event.
So...What Is National Tree Day?
National Tree Day is one of Australia’s largest community tree-planting and environmental care initiatives. It brings together individuals, families, schools, businesses, councils, and community groups to take practical action for the environment.
But the day is about far more than simply putting plants in the ground.
It is about restoring habitats, protecting waterways, improving biodiversity, and creating greener spaces for future generations. Native plants provide food and shelter for local wildlife, strengthen creek corridors, reduce erosion, improve soil health, and help cool our neighbourhoods.
National Tree Day also gives people a chance to step away from their usual routine, reconnect with nature, and learn more about the environment around them. It proves that small actions can become something incredibly powerful when a whole community gets involved.
One seedling might seem small, but thousands of seedlings planted by hundreds of volunteers can transform a landscape and make a HUGE impact.
Thousands of Plants, One Big Community Effort
There is something pretty special about seeing hundreds of people come together with one goal: to leave the environment better than they found it.
Families, local residents, community groups, businesses, council representatives, and volunteers of all ages worked side by side to restore and strengthen the creek corridor. Every native tree, shrub, and grass planted will play a part in improving biodiversity, creating habitat for local wildlife, and supporting a healthier environment for years to come.
One plant might feel small on its own, but 12,000 plants backed by 800 people shows just how powerful collective action can be.
Getting Our Hands Dirty — The Durban Way!!!
For the Durban team, National Tree Day felt like a natural fit.
We spend every day caring for landscapes, improving outdoor spaces, and working closely with the environment. Taking part in an event that brings the community together to create long-term environmental benefits is exactly the kind of initiative we are proud to support.
Being involved for the second year running made the day even more special, and it was wonderful to once again stand alongside so many passionate volunteers all working towards the same goal.
There were plenty of holes dug, tree guards installed, and boots covered in mud — all signs of a very successful day.
And it wasn’t all digging and dirty gloves! Between planting there was tree guard decorating, face painting, hot coffee, sizzling sausages, banging tunes, and plenty of laughs. Wonga Park CFA even brought along a fire truck for the kids to climb aboard and explore, which was a huge hit. Because saving the planet works up an appetite — and every great community day needs good music, muddy boots, and a fire truck! It was the perfect mix of environmental action and community spirit — a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together for something bigger than themselves, and something we need to see far more of in the world.
National Tree Day is About Much More than Planting
It gives people the chance to step away from everyday routines, spend time outdoors, learn about native vegetation, and work alongside others who care about the future of their local area.
For children, it is a hands-on way to learn that protecting the environment is something everyone can be part of. For adults, it is a reminder that meaningful change does not always require a huge gesture — sometimes it starts with a shovel, a seedling, and a willingness to help.
At Durban, we believe strong communities and healthy environments go hand in hand. Events like this help build both.
Proud to Be Part of Something Bigger
Durban and its founders are incredibly proud to participate in community initiatives like National Tree Day.
As a business built around people, landscapes, and long-term care, being part of such a large and positive event means a great deal to us. Returning for a second year made it even more meaningful, and it gave our team the opportunity to continue contributing beyond our everyday work and help create something that future generations will be able to enjoy.
A huge thank you to Manningham Council, the event organisers, and every volunteer who gave their time and energy to make the day such a success.
We may have arrived with clean gloves, but we definitely did not leave with them.
Until next time — grab a shovel, get your hands dirty, and let’s keep planting a better tomorrow!