A dozen students from CQUniversity Sydney International Campus recently joined State Director Susan Loomes and Student Advisor Coordinator Meagan Johnson to take part in Planet Ark's National Tree Day. 

National Tree Day was co-founded by Olivia Newton-John and Planet Ark in 1996 and since then more than 2 million volunteers have planted over 13 million native trees and shrubs.

Planting participants included Ali Raza, Chau Pham My Huynh, Hafiza Islam, Huu Quan Nguyen, Jaison Pynummoottil Varghese, Meagan Johnson, Rahul Podduturi, Sethima Das, Susan Loomes, Arjun Bhandari, Danish Anwar, Md Rahaduz Zaman, Sweta Rai, Syed Merazul kabir and Yu Ji, Sen Chi

It is an opportunity for schools, community groups and local residents to come together to make a positive difference to the environment. 

Plant Ark says that "growing local native trees, shrubs and ground covers helps to provide food and shelter for Australia's wildlife, increases native biodiversity and combats the habitat loss that threatens much of our wildlife".

The CQUniversity group met at the campus and travelled together to Sydney Park, St Peters and joined in the festivities organised by the City of Sydney Council. 

Our students, from countries including Bangladesh, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Vietnam, joined with local residents from the inner city and inner west of Sydney to plant Cherry Candle Banksia trees.

Upon arrival, the students were quick to select their shovels, gloves and other equipment required and began planting immediately.

Arjun Bhandari says the experience provided him with "an opportunity to contribute, though in a small way, towards a healthy environment and towards reducing global warming ...". 

"It also gave an opportunity to express my concern for the environment, and I am sure my fellow students might have felt the same way," he said.

After planting about 50 trees the group all enjoyed the barbecue provided by the organisers of the event and shared a laugh in the sunshine.

The students all volunteered their time, made new friends, interacted in the Australian community and participated in a good cause.

"I am sure a lot of us students would love to participate in similar events in times to come," Arjun said.

The participation in Planet Ark's National Tree Day was an initiative of CQUniversity Sydney's Environmental Committee.