City of Whittlesea’s Favourite Tree competition returns
Published on 27 November 2025
Do you have a tree that makes you smile every time you pass it by?
The City of Whittlesea’s much-loved Favourite Tree competition is back, celebrating the trees that make life in our municipality cooler, greener, and more welcoming.
Following the success of last year’s event, which attracted 35 wonderful entries, Council is inviting the community to share a photo of their favourite tree and a short story about why it’s special.
This year’s winner will receive a copy of Silent Sentinel: The Story of a Redgum by local artist Amaria Stark, and will have their photo featured in Council’s Local Scoop newsletter and on the Greening Whittlesea Tree Hub site.
The competition is more than just a photo contest, it is an opportunity to reflect on the many benefits trees provide, from improving our wellbeing and providing shade to creating vital habitat for native wildlife.
Last year’s winner, Joan from Wollert, captured a stunning photograph of a majestic gum in Belknap Conservation Reserve. This tree has been Joan’s favourite since she moved to the area in June 2016.
“I love its majesty and estimate it has been here for hundreds of years. It is one of my favourite trees to photograph, especially at sunset as the sun’s rays meander through the branches,” Joan said.
The Favourite Tree competition is part of Council’s Greening Whittlesea – City Forest Strategy, which aims to grow the city’s green cover by 20 per cent by 2040. As part of this commitment, more than 8,200 trees were planted in the last 12 months, ensuring the community continues to enjoy the many benefits trees bring for generations to come.
How to Enter:
1. Take a photo of your favourite tree
2. Upload it to engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/trees along with what you love about it
Entries are now open and close on 28 February 2026.
Visit the Greening Whittlesea Tree Hub to explore last year’s entries, share your own story, and follow the Tree Hub to discover tips and resources and share your ideas for helping City of Whittlesea grow greener.
Quotes attributable to City of Whittlesea Mayor, Councillor Lawrie Cox:
“Trees add beauty to our streets, parks and backyards, but they do so much more. Trees cool our neighbourhoods, clean our air, support native wildlife and create peaceful places for us all to live and play.”
“Through Council’s City Forest program, we are committed to planting more than 60,000 new trees over the next four years and caring for the ones we already have. Our goal is to grow a greener city, to cool our neighbourhoods, improve air quality, and support local wildlife.”
“I encourage everyone to get involved in the Favourite Tree competition. I hope you are inspired and see how much trees contribute to the character and health of the City of Whittlesea.”