From Boardrooms to Bush – NAB Digs into Tree Planting

Clouds loomed overhead on the morning of May 22nd, a day marking our first-ever corporate tree planting event organized in collaboration with National Australia Bank (NAB) and Reforest. A packed bus brought 42 eager NAB staff members to NightWings, a 15-hectare former cane field undergoing a remarkable transformation. Among the team was Andrew Irvine, the newly appointed NAB CEO, out of office and sans suit and tie, ready to try his hand at repairing a patch of rainforest. 

Rainforest Rescue staff led the team on a short walk to hear from traditional owner Bennett Walker, who spoke about his relationship and connection with the NightWings property, emphasising its cultural significance to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people.

The skies opened up while Bennett and John performed a smoking ceremony with bark from the Melaleuca tree, giving their blessing and welcoming all onto country to contribute to the healing of the land through restoration. The brief shower, combined with the fragrant Melaleuca smoke, created a unique and memorable atmosphere.

 

“This is my Fathers country…” Bennet Walker speaks of his connection to NightWings

 

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the tree planting itself. In total, 1350 trees were planted, each one a representation of the positive impact businesses can have when they partner with small, grassroots organisations with the intent to give back to nature. 

Morning tea provided an opportunity to relax and reflect on the morning’s activities while Fred Holden, a soil scientist from James Cook University talked about the formation and ecological significance of rainforests and tropical soils. He shared insights from his current research project with Rainforest Rescue, focussing on soil health recovery after restoration. 

This event was more than just a day of tree planting; it was a celebration of collaboration and commitment to environmental stewardship. By working together with NAB and Reforest, we raise awareness of the critical need for the biodiversity of flora and fauna that rainforests support, and take tangible steps towards its restoration. It was heartening to see a major corporation like NAB take an active role in environmental conservation, and reinforces the power of corporate partnerships in achieving environmental goals. 

Thank you to Reforest and NAB, without whom this wonderful day would not have happened!

 

The three CEOs ready to repair some rainforest at the NAB tree planting day:
Left to right – Reforest’s Daniel Walsh, NAB’s Andrew Irvine and Rainforest Rescue’s Branden Barber

 

 

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