Thank you to the local community who joined us at Gerringong Library on Thursday, 14 November, for the launch of the Future Proofing the Cabbage Palm Project.
We were thrilled by the curiosity and passion in the room, and your unanimous concern for the survival of this iconic species and enthusiasm for planting more Livistona australis right now.
A huge thank you to all our speakers and contributors who made the evening such a success:
- Dharawal Elder Gwenda Jarrett shared her people’s deep relationship with the area we now call the Illawarra and the many uses of the Dharawal (Cabbage Tree Palm). We’re excited to work with Gwenda on this project.
- Barb Mathie from Foxground Landcare detailed the early settlers’ innovative uses of the palms, including hollowing trunks for water pipes, and documented past planting efforts in Rose Valley led by the late Richard Scarbrough.
- Ailee Calderbank, Landcare Illawarra Vice Chair, presented on the ecology of Livistona australis, covering research on growth rates, fire impact, germination, and the role of endangered species like the Top Knot Pigeon in seed dispersal. She also outlined key management actions such as fencing, weed control, and support plantings.
- Historian Sue Brian captivated the audience with her research into the colonial era’s widespread use of cabbage palm leaves for hat making. Her findings reveal the scale of palm removal, which rivaled the devastation caused by the logging of Red Cedar.
The evening ended with a lively Q&A session where attendees explored ideas for getting involved through private or community plantings, discussed fencing options, and learned about companion planting.
Additional thanks to
- Our host for the evening, Alison Windsor. A member of the Landcare Illawarra Committee, the project is Alison’s vision and she will provide leadership including on the fencing trials and outreach.
- Ray White Gerringong for their stunning drone footage of local properties featuring palms.
- BlueScopeWIN Community Partners Program for their sponsorship of fencing trials.
- Kiama Historical Society and Sue Eggins for guidance on images and local history.
- Nicholas Carlile (NSW DCCEEW) for generously sharing his research on cabbage palms.
- Our Nursery growers: Andy McNeil, Carl Glaister, and Emma Rooksby, for providing the beautiful palms on display.
- Kiama Library Staff (Carla James, Erin Tierney, and Gerringong branch staff) for hosting us so graciously.
We also extend our gratitude to the Gerringong Museum for staying open during the event, showcasing their colonial-era cabbage palm trough, and providing a rich historical backdrop to the evening.
NEXT STEPS
There are two ways to participate in the project:
- Landholders: If you are interested in supporting this project on your property, please fill in this form and we’ll be in touch.
- Volunteers for Community Plantings and other roles: We’ll call for support as planting dates are confirmed. If you want to be involved, or you have additional skills to offer, let us know by filling in this from
All Landcare Illawarra members will receive updates on the project through our monthly e-newsletter and social media. You can sign up to receive the e-newsletter here.
If you are not already a member of Landcare Illawarra through one of our volunteer groups, we welcome everyone to join Landcare Illawarra, and individual memberships are available for an annual fee of $10. Learn more about membership here.
While this project is generously supported by a private donation, additional funding will help us expand its impact. Donations to Landcare Illawarra via Landcare NSW are tax-deductible. For details, please contact our Chair, Emma Rooksby chair@landcareillawarra.org.au