One of the many handwritten personalised notes from a participant at Trees for Dad 2023.

IF you’re looking for something to gift Dad for Father’s Day, Penrith City Council’s annual Trees for Dad community tree planting event returns for its sixth year on Sunday 1 September at Blue Hills Wetland in Glenmore Park.  

Everyone is invited to plant a tree in honour and celebration of their dad, grandfather, uncle or father figure. 

The event will be divided into 30-minute sessions, with the first session starting at 8.30am and the last session at 12pm.  

Registrations are essential to join the day and help Council’s Bushcare team to ensure they have enough trees and tags for participants to plant and write on. Register at penrith.city/events  

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said he was excited that the event was returning for its sixth year after Trees for Mum welcomed an impressive 500 participants earlier this year. 

“Trees for Dad is becoming bigger and bigger every year — and it’s quickly become an important event our community looks forward to — we had an impressive turnout last year with 320 people attending,” Cr Carney said. 

“Planting a tree is such a simple gesture to honour your dad, grandfather, uncle or a father figure in your life and can be a very positive and meaningful experience to share with family and friends on Father’s Day.” 

“When we held our biggest Trees for Mum event on Mother’s Day this year, it was touching for the Bushcare team to hear beautiful stories from participants about why they had come to celebrate and honour their mum, and I hope that Trees for Dad continues to provide such a space to remember Dad. 

“Trees for Dad is not only a great way to gift Dad something special, but it’s an opportunity to learn about our local environment and help restore our endangered bushland by planting native trees or shrubs. 

“Council’s Bushcare team is looking forward to another great day planting trees and celebrating our local dads,” Cr Carney continued. 

Participants are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes and a hat. Sunscreen will be available on the day. 

Council’s Nursery proudly provides the native trees and shrubs available for planting on-site. 

To ensure there are enough trees for everyone to plant and so Council’s Bushcare team can coordinate the 30-minute sessions, please book your attendance by registering at penrith.city/events