Wings and Wildflowers
– an EcoCare initiative

Last year the EcoCare Commission launched an opportunity for the Anglican community to engage with caring for our unique wildlife through the “Wings and Wildflowers” project.

Its launch was designed to inspire and support parishes, parishioners, schools, and agencies in creating native gardens that attract, feed, and protect our local birdlife and native flora. Together, we can make meaningful contributions to the wellbeing of our natural world, right in our own backyards.

As an extension of this initiative EcoCare encourage the community to engage the WA Government initiative to plant native trees. This program is called “Treebate” and whilst it was launched last year this program is continuing this year.

Trees show up throughout Scripture from Genesis through to Revelation. Their appearance is important to convey spiritual truths either literally or symbolically. Ancient wisdom demonstrates that these living beings are life giving. We know this thought the way these remarkable living organisms sustain life on our planet in a variety of lifegiving ways from keeping saltwater at bay, cleaning and replenishing our air and providing homes, food and security to thousands of species across the planet, to name a few.

The increasing urbanisation and extensive agricultural growth have dramatically reduced the area our native plant habitat, damaging the viability of native species. To this end we are encouraged, in a small way to bring back this lifegiving organism. The State Government currently has implemented a program as part of a broader Urban Canopy Growth package to support both household and community planting. The purpose is to plant 1 million trees by 2035. This program is part of the ambitious WA Government aim to achieve 40% urban canopy cover across Perth by 2040. Perth currently has the lowest canopy cover of any Australian Capital city.

Here is an opportunity for every home, parish, agency or school to participate in a small way towards healing the damage that has occurred with the clearing of native vegetation that has been ongoing since European colonisation.

The way to participate is very simple, an annual rebate is available valued at $150 per WA resident (18+). This money is redeemable via the ServiceWA app. In other words, the money you spend will be paid back to you. In this project there are no losers for it benefits the environment, the liveability of our city, and provides a canopy for humans and our animals.

Treebates now available to claim. It’s as easy as One, Two, Tree.

One: Buy up to 5 trees. (Eligible tree species must be natives that reach a canopy height of over 3m at maturity. )

Two: Plant your trees. (Don’t forget keep your tax invoice and take a photo of the plant label/s to get your rebate) - send EcoCare your planted tree so we can share your celebration.

Tree: Make a claim via ServiceWA (app) (There is an online form if you don’t wish to use the app).

For more information search “Treebate” on the internet

If you would like to do more to help to improve our tree canopy cover you might also consider:

1. Writing to local councillors asking them to protect trees in your neighbourhood through changes to local legislation.
2. Support a not-for-profit group that is protecting and planting trees in your neighbourhood.
3. Learn about the value of canopy trees and share your knowledge with your community.
4. Ensure the existing trees on your property are well cared for with regular maintenance such as water, mulch and fertiliser as required.
5. Plant more trees in your own urban garden.
6. Join a community planting day.

Wishing you the best and our support in caring for our planet.

Published in Messenger September 2026