Future Proofing the Cabbage Tree Palm Project - Community Launch

Join us to secure the future of Kiama’s iconic Cabbage Tree Palms.

A single Cabbage Tree Palm standing tall amidst Kiama’s green hills is an emblem of our local landscape. The Cabbage Tree Palm Livistona australis, known as Dharawal by the First Nations people of the Illawarra, was used for multiple purposes. The tender tips could be eaten, the trunk used for building, and the leaves were used as fibers for weaving and thatching on shelters.

These majestic palms can live over a century, reaching heights of up to 30m. While they once thrived along NSW’s east coast rainforest margins, most of the rainforest has been cleared, leaving only scattered paddock trees that are struggling to regenerate naturally.

Landcare Illawarra wants to work with local property owners in the Kiama area to preserve this unique species. We’ll provide juvenile plants, fencing, and advice on maintenance and companion species to help ensure a thriving future for the Cabbage Tree Palm.

Join us on Thursday, 14 November, for our community launch event where we’ll share more about this project.

We’re also delighted to have historian and traditional hatter Sue Brian as our guest for the launch. Sue will demonstrate the art of weaving and making cabbage tree hats—a colonial tradition using the unopened leaf spear of the palms—and share her research.

Other speakers to be announced soon.

Be part of preserving our heritage and future proofing our landscape.

Draft format - subject to change.

5.30pm    Doors open for plant display and cabbage tree hat weaving demonstration
6.00pm    Presentations on the history and environmental context of the Cabbage Tree Palm
6.30pm    Presentation on the history of cabbage tree hats and techniques
6.40pm    Questions from the audience and open forum on the project options for landowners
7.30pm    Refreshments
8.00pm    Close