With the recent announcement of Coles as the Major Sponsor of National Tree Day 2026, one of Australia’s biggest retailers will now help expand that impact by supporting communities across the country to take part in local environmental action.

Coles kicked off its support last week with staff getting their hands dirty planting seedlings at a site near the company’s Store Support Centre in the east of Melbourne. Over 30 Coles staff members joined forces with Urban Guerrillas, a youth-focused environmental group, to remove rubbish, clear invasive weeds and plant 300 native seedlings.

The site, which runs along Gardiners Creek trail, was originally mostly weedy grasses. The revegetation of the trail provides an important wildlife corridor with native vegetation seamlessly incorporated into suburbs as an excellent example of biodiversity in an urban area. Seedlings planted were a mixture of natives, including local Acacias, Poas and Dianellas.

Coles staff were also joined by members of the Planet Ark team, including Planet Ark CEO Adam Culley.

"National Tree Day has inspired millions of Australians to take positive environmental action over the past 30 years, and we're thrilled to welcome Coles as Major Sponsor during this landmark anniversary year," Mr Culley said.

"The practical support Coles is providing to communities around the country will help local organisers plant more seedlings, engage more volunteers and create lasting environmental benefits in their local areas."

As part of its sponsorship, Coles will equip five National Tree Day hero sites across Australia, with one site in each participating state receiving a comprehensive support package to help deliver successful community planting events.

The support includes a $2,500 seedling contribution for each site, a $500 Coles voucher for refreshments, site coordinator resources and event materials, helping local organisers welcome volunteers and maximise the environmental impact of their planting activities.

In addition to supporting local planting events, Coles is providing a prize for a nationwide National Tree Day giveaway hosted by Planet Ark to celebrate the efforts of volunteers.

Australians who take part in National Tree Day activities will have the chance to enter by sharing a photo from their event on Instagram using the hashtag #NationalTreeDayGiveaway. Ten winners will each receive a $250 Coles gift card.

If you’d like to get involved and enter the giveaway with your planting happy snaps, register to volunteer at a site near you nationaltreeday.org.au/find-a-site and find further information, including terms & conditions, here: nationaltreeday.org.au/giveaway