Students from around the world have left a lasting environmental legacy at Hornsby Park as part of one of Australia’s largest international education events.
Hosted by Barker College, the Round Square International Conference 2026 brought together more than 1,000 students and teachers from more than 150 schools worldwide. As part of the conference’s service program, delegates visited Hornsby Park on 30 September and 1 October to participate in planting activities while learning about the site’s Indigenous, industrial and environmental history.
At Hornsby Park, delegates took part in Indigenous storytelling, learned about the site’s transformation from former quarry to public park, and planted 800 native plants near the Quarry Loop as part of Hornsby Shire Council’s environmental restoration efforts. The experience reflected the conference theme, “Visions of the Future from an Ancient Land”, by connecting cultural heritage, environmental stewardship and future-focused restoration.
Widely regarded as one of Australia’s most significant quarry-to-park transformations, Hornsby Park provided an ideal setting for delegates to explore the conference themes of leadership, service, environmental stewardship and cultural connection.
Hornsby Shire Mayor Warren Waddell said the event was a fitting way to connect young people from across the globe with one of the Shire’s most significant restoration projects.
“I thank the students, teachers and Barker College for helping leave a lasting legacy at Hornsby Park through their enthusiasm, hard work and commitment to environmental stewardship.
“The trees and plants established through this project will serve as a lasting reminder of the connections formed during the conference and the collective responsibility we share in caring for our environment.”
Phillip Heath AM, Head of Barker College said: “To see young people from around the world working side by side in service of Hornsby Park captures beautifully the spirit of Round Square. It is my hope that this experience leaves them with a deeper understanding that caring for our shared future begins with respecting and serving the places and communities around us.”
Round Square is a global network of more than 270 schools that promotes experiential learning through internationalism, democracy, environmentalism, adventure, leadership and service. The 2026 conference also marks the network’s 60th anniversary.
The planting activities during the conference have contributed to the ongoing transformation of Hornsby Park, helping to create new habitat, heal the landscape, improve water quality and leave a lasting legacy for future visitors to enjoy.
For more information about Hornsby Park, visit: https://hornsbypark.com.au
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