Ballina Shire Council and GeoLINK are inviting the community to roll up their sleeves and help restore the iconic Lennox Headland at the 20th annual Lennox Head Community Tree Planting Day on Friday 6 June 2025.

This year marks a major milestone, two decades since the partnership between Council and GeoLINK began, with a shared vision to return native littoral rainforest to the iconic headland.

Since the inaugural planting in 2003, when just 20 volunteers came together to plant 140 seedlings, the event has flourished into a well-loved community tradition. To date, more than 1,650 volunteers have planted over 13,000 native seedlings.

Ballina Shire Council’s Natural Resource Officer, James Brideson, said the event is a testament to what long-term community action can achieve.

“Each year, the local community come together to regenerate this precious coastal environment, helping to restore what was once present pre-1800s. What started as a small-scale project has grown. We’ve now planted over 13,000 trees and covered over seven hectares,” said Mr Brideson.

“We could not have done this without the schools, businesses and local volunteers who show up year after year to contribute their time and energy to restoring this special place,” added Mr Brideson.

This event reflects Ballina Shire Council’s long-term commitment to boosting native biodiversity and strengthening the resilience of our natural landscapes. Restoring this coastal headland plays a vital role in supporting threatened ecosystems and creating essential habitat for native wildlife.

GeoLINK’s Senior Ecologist, Planner and Bushfire Specialist Veronica Silver has seen first-hand how this project is improving the iconic headland. 

“I’m proud to have been part of this valuable restoration project as a GeoLINK staff member for over 20 years. I love walking past the plantings from previous years on the way up to the headland, it’s been a joy to watch the plants grow in the restored littoral rainforest, which now provides a habitat for birds and reptiles,” said Ms Silver.

The community tree planting day also provides a valuable learning experience for local school students who attend each year.

“Along with planting trees, we also provide educational talks to help educate and inspire the kids who come along,” Ms Silver said.

The annual event also marks World Environment Day, making it a fitting opportunity for locals to take direct action for the planet, close to home.

The event will be held at the top of Lennox Headland from 9am to 12noon. Park at Pat Morton lookout and walk up the headland and follow the signs. Participants need to wear sun protection and closed-in shoes, and are encouraged to bring digging tools if they have them.

Council will provide native seedlings, mulch, water, and some planting tools. A free barbecue and refreshments will also be available, thanks to the generous support of the Lennox Head business community and local volunteer groups.

For more information, contact GeoLINK on (02) 6687 7666.