When Paul Laverty joined his local Rotary Club eight years ago, his vision was to help others and make a difference in the community.

The 72-year-old retired arborist “planted the seed” for Council to plant 100 trees to commemorate the centenary celebrations of Rotary in Australia.

A mix of crepe myrtles, jacarandas and eucalyptus trees now line the paths of Amour Park at Revesby, leaving a lasting legacy and a canopy for the community to enjoy.

Mr Laverty said he was thrilled with the outcome of the tree planting and was keen to continue working on other similar projects across the community.

“I know from my professional background how much trees help people. They act as nature’s air conditioning and can lower the air temperature by a degree and a half!” Mr Laverty said.

“A lot of the trees here are large eucalypts that will grow into really impressive specimens.”

Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek marked the completion of the project last Friday by unveiling a special limestone plaque at Amour Park.

“The trees are a fitting reminder of the unwavering commitment that Rotary has brought to our community over the past century,” Mayor El-Hayek said.

“Their fundraising has helped so many locals through hosting barbeques, running community markets and offering support during times of natural disasters.”

Mayor El-Hayek added Council is committed to greening our City and over the past two years has planted more than 2,000 trees, thanks to the NSW Government Greening our City grant.

“This is a fantastic initiative in line with our vision to increase the tree canopy in our City and reach sustainability goals.”

The 100 years of Rotary Celebration is a collaboration between City of Canterbury Bankstown and the Rotary Club of Padstow Inc., funded by NSW Government Greening our City program.