Local residents are being urged to help green Bankstown on Sunday 29 July, as part of National Tree Day 2012 celebrations.

“Having a green city is one of the main priorities identified by Bankstown’s residents,” Mayor Asfour said.

“This is one of the many initiatives Council is taking to meet that expectation.

“I encourage all residents to come down and do their part by planting a tree.

“Free plants will be given to volunteers to take home and beautify their immediate surrounds as well.”

The community planting day will take place from 9.30am to 2pm at Carysfield Park, Johnston Road, Bass Hill.

Run in conjunction with Planet Ark, National Tree Day encourages families and individuals to get together and do some planting with assistance from Bankstown City Council staff.

Mayor Asfour said the staff will show participants the best method for tree planting and how to care for young and newly planted plants.

“Last year, 110 volunteers planted 1,000 seedlings throughout Bankstown city as part of this initiative,” Mayor Asfour said.

“This year, around 50 schools will also be taking part, 10 more than last year.”

Volunteers interested in taking part in the event should bring along their own hat, sunscreen and drinking water, and wear closed-in shoes.

For more information go to http://treeday.planetark.org or call 9707 9999.