Council’s big tree planting project

BLACKTOWN City Council is tackling urban heat by planting thousands of trees across the City, creating healthier and greener suburbs for the community. Council will soon wrap up the largest tree planting project in its history, funded as part of the NSW Government’s Urban Greening grant program.

The $1M project - jointly funded by Council and the NSW Department of Planning and Environment - is part of the effort to increase green cover across Greater Sydney and lift urban canopy coverage to 40 per cent by 2036. Since 2019, Council has planted more than 2,500 trees along streets and in parks, including at 2 key gateways into our City at Robert Brown Reserve, Flushcombe Road in Blacktown and Whalan Reserve, Debrincat Avenue in Whalan.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said planting more trees is a vital task in greening the City and helping minimise the impact of urban heat on residents.

Volunteering with St Christophorus Aged Care

In NSW, over 2 million people volunteer their time for others, equal to 240 million hours annually with over 60 volunteer organisations.

St Christophorus Aged Care is a Not For Profit organisation based in Croydon and Blacktown. Our volunteers provide companionship to German speaking seniors, living in a nursing home or at home. We also provide support and assistance to those in need of accessing services or when transitioning to Residential Aged Care. In 2021 our Alois was awarded “Senior Volunteer of the Year”. Alois and Helga have been volunteering since 1982. Alois: “We enjoy helping others and it brings smiles and happiness to them.”

Many elderly people are vulnerable and feel lonely and isolated. Covid lockdowns and restrictions acerbated these issues. Some may have no family close by and a have no visitors. Feelings of loneliness and depression are very common among the elderly.

Our Volunteers, through their selflessness, dedication, and generosity of spirit are the backbone of our organisation. Language is no barrier. Join us to bring light into the lives of the elderly and share some of your time via visits or telephone calls. Contact our Volunteer Coordinator on 0493 388 282 or send an email to agedcare@dkg sydney.com