Join us to secure the future of Kiama’s iconic Cabbage Tree Palms.
A single Cabbage Tree Palm standing tall amidst Kiama’s green hills is an emblem of our local landscape. The Cabbage Tree Palm Livistona australis, called Dharawal by the First Nations people of the Illawarra, was once a source of food and material, with the leaves and trunks used for weaving and shelter building.
These majestic palms can live over a century, reaching heights of up to 30m. While they once thrived along NSW’s east coast rainforest margins, most of the rainforest has been cleared, leaving only scattered paddock trees that are struggling to regenerate naturally.
Landcare Illawarra wants to work with local property owners in the Kiama area to preserve this unique species. We’ll provide juvenile plants, fencing, and advice on maintenance and companion species to help ensure a thriving future for the Cabbage Tree Palm.
Join us on Thursday, 14 November, for our launch event where we’ll share more about this project.
We’re delighted to have Sue Brian, historian and traditional hatter, as one of our guests demonstrating the art of making cabbage tree hats—a colonial tradition using the unopened leaf spear of the palms.
Presenters
- Hosted by Alison Windsor, Foxground Landcare and Landcare Illawarra committee member
- Aunty Gwenda Jarrett, Dharawal Elder
- Ailee Calderbank, Vice Chair Landcare Illawarra
- Barb Mathie, Foxground Landcare
- Sue Brian, historian, weaver and traditional hatter
Format
5.30pm Doors open for plant display and cabbage tree hat weaving demonstration
6.00pm Presentations start:
- Indigenous Knowledge and local Dharawal people’s relationship with the Cabbage Palm
- Biology and ecology of the Livistona australis
- Past regeneration projects in the district
- The history of the colonial cabbage tree hats, and weaving with cabbage palm leaves
6.40pm Discussion on project options, with questions from the audience and open forum
7.30pm Refreshments
8.00pm Close
Be part of preserving our heritage and future proofing our landscape.
Future Proofing the Cabbage Tree Palm Project – Community Launch
Thursday 14 November, 6pm to 8pm
Gerringong Library and Museum, 8 Blackwood St, Gerringong NSW 2534
Register now
