A 28-year-old female contract climber Toni Sterai is making waves in the world of arboriculture. As the reigning NSW state champion, Toni recently secured the title at the 2024 Tree Climbing Competition, earning her a spot to represent NSW in the National Competition in Canberra next year.

Toni Sterai wins NSW ARB competition

“I studied at TAFE NSW for 18 months, earning my Level 3 Arboriculture during Covid,” Toni shares. Her passion for climbing goes beyond competition. “I climb trees and prune branches to ensure they can coexist within the community,” she explains. Recently, Toni has been on storm damage patrol - handling jobs that the SES can’t. “There are canopies that snap off into other trees, and I have to climb up and use my roping skills to safely bring the branch or canopy to the ground,” she says. One such job was for Shellharbour City Tree Care.

Originally from the Northern Territory, Toni now lives around Kiama in her van, working as a contract arborist near Wollongong and Sydney. “I’ve set up my career so I can travel, follow the seasons, and work with multiple crews. It keeps me engaged in different kinds of work - habitat, storm damage, delicate pruning, heritage pruning, and now, arborist competitions,” she reveals.

Toni is also deeply committed to tree conservation. She follows the Instagram @thetreeprojects, run by Steve, which seeks out giant trees in order to protect them from logging. 

“Recently, ‘Big Spotty’ has come under threat, and we need to engage the community and raise awareness about these ancient eco-lords,” Toni says.

Located near Ulladulla, ‘Big Spotty’ faces significant threats from logging. “It’s like having a skyscraper among a field of tiny homes or caravans. The elements this tree has to endure alone are a threat,” Toni explains. Despite a 60-meter radius of protection, the tree needs more to survive. “We need to prioritise and sustain old-growth forests with the help and knowledge of Aboriginal lore,” she emphasises.

Toni also highlights that giant trees in Victoria, Tasmania, NSW, and across the globe require recognition and protection from society and private logging companies.

As Toni prepares for the National Competition in 2025, her journey exemplifies a blend of passion and purpose. Whether she’s climbing for a championship or fighting to save a centuries-old giant, Toni’s dedication to her craft and the environment she loves is evident. Through her work, she hopes to inspire others to not only appreciate the beauty and importance of trees but to take action to protect them for future generations.