Jamberoo Future Proofing the Cabbage Tree Palm Project

A Talking Landcare event.

The Cabbage Tree Palm (Livistona australis), known as Dharawal by the First Nations people of the Illawarra, has long been an important and versatile species. The tender growing tips were eaten, trunks were used for building, and leaves were woven into fibres for thatching and shelter.

Early European settlers used the palms in similar ways, and also harvested the juvenile fronds to weave the iconic cabbage tree hat, once the preferred headwear of colonial Sydney. As a result, thousands of Cabbage Tree Palms were removed from the Illawarra, along with large areas of it’s rainforest habitat cleared for farming.

Today, a small number of Cabbage Tree Palms — some more than 200 years old — remain scattered across paddocks, while others survive in rainforest remnants below Saddleback Mountain and along the Illawarra Escarpment.

In late 2024, Landcare Illawarra launched the Future Proofing the Cabbage Tree Palm Project. The project aims to encourage natural regeneration of remnant palms and to support land managers to protect existing trees through fencing, planting and improved land management.

We are now working with local property owners in the Jamberoo area to preserve this special species. Support includes the provision of juvenile plants, fencing, and advice on maintenance and suitable companion species to help ensure a thriving future for the Cabbage Tree Palm.

Join us on Thursday 5 March for a community event for Jamberoo locals, where we’ll share more about the project, its progress so far, and how you can get involved.

Presenters:

• Alison Windsor and Ailee Calderbank will provide an update on the project to date.
• Nicholas Carlile, ecologist, will share his detailed research on Livistona australis across Australia.
• Kevin Mills, local botanist, will explore the rich rainforest biodiversity that once supported Cabbage Tree Palms in the Jamberoo area.
• Sue Brian, historian, weaver and traditional hatter, will explain how the palms were historically harvested for hat making.

Event format

• 5.30pm – Doors open, cabbage tree hat display, tea and coffee
• 6.00pm – Acknowledgement of Country and presentations
• 7.00pm – Open forum and discussion, including audience questions
• 7.30pm – Refreshments
• 8.00pm – Close

When: Thursday 5 March 2026
Were: Jamberoo Youth Hall, Allowrie st Jamberoo NSW 2533 Google Maps