Plans for the grounds of Westmead Hospital to one day become an ‘urban woodland’ are now being realised, with 3100 trees in the process of being planted.
The State Government has partnered with Greater Sydney Landcare Network (GSLN) and Landcare NSW to deliver the tree planting program, alongside a number of dedicated community volunteers.
Western Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive, Graeme Loy joined Landcare NSW CEO, Adrian Zammit, Parramatta MP Geoff Lee and volunteers recently to commence the planting.
Mr Loy said the new greenery will be a huge benefit to hospital staff and patients, wildlife and the wider community.
“Green spaces aren’t just great for urban ecosystems, they’re also associated with better physical health, lower stress levels, and greater community satisfaction,” he said.
“These trees will create a beautiful environment for patients, visitors and our local community to relax and enjoy.”
The Social Canvas, a local social enterprise, helped deliver the planning and tree selection.
30 Tzu Chi volunteers will also join with GSLN at Westmead Hospital to grow trees, shade and habitat to support the project.
Parramatta MP Geoff Lee welcomed the initiative and said it was part of the State Government’s plan to plant one million trees across Greater Sydney.
“It is great to see these trees being planted to provide shade during those extremely hot Parramatta summers and help make a real difference to the environment for the staff and patients at Westmead Hospital,” he said.
Dr Zammit said Landcare NSW was proud to be partners in the project and said it would pose benefits for generations to come.
“By expanding the green canopy cover across Greater Sydney, we are not only contributing to our community’s health and wellbeing but also the protection of our native plants and animals by providing much needed habitat,” he said.
“The site’s proximity to Toongabbie Creek will help extend important habitat for small birds, microbats, and other native animals.
“We encourage the local community to get involved in this project. Through Landcare you can join a community, learn new skills, plant trees for wildlife and people, be out in nature and make a positive contribution to our environment.”
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.