To commemorate the anniversary of the announcement in 1850 of the impending separation of Victoria from New South Wales, a sapling from a heritage-listed river red gum tree that overlooked the site of the announcement in Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens was presented to Campaspe Shire Council's Manager Tourism, Arts & Culture David Hughes at the gardens in September, just before Council entered the caretaker period in the lead-up to the Victorian Local Government Elections. The sapling has now been gifted by Council to Gargarro Botanic Gardens at Girgarre.
The 'Separation Tree', estimated to be between 300 and 400 years old, was one of two original river red gums on that site and was a prominent landmark in the early Melbourne botanic gardens.
Campaspe Shire Council gifted the sapling to Gargarro Botanic Garden at Girgarre on 19 December. It was presented by Deputy Mayor, Cr Jessica Mitchell, to Gargarro's Loraine Warde before being planted by Cr Mitchell.
Gargarro Botanic Garden Ltd chairman Doc McDonald said all involved with Gargarro were honoured to have a tree of such significance in the garden.
Cr Mitchell said it was hoped this new tree would witness many gatherings, as its forebear had done.
"This sapling, and many others like it, was raised from the seed of the original tree when it became apparent that the Separation Tree's life was nearing its end. Nurtured with care and dedication, we hope that this new tree will, like its predecessor, be a place of meeting, offering shade and a spot to reflect not only our past but also our future as a united people, state, and country.
"With the planting of this sapling today, we are not just adding another tree to this garden. We are planting a piece of our history, and a symbol of our resilience and continuity. This sapling, and the tree it will one day become, represents the strength and endurance of our communities, and the canopy of inclusion and respect under which we should all aspire to gather."
Foundry Arts Space president Judy Lawler then shared an update on the public arts project that Council is funding for Gargarro Botanic Gardens before inviting those present to enjoy morning tea at Gargarro Café.
Photo (L-R): Cr Adrian Weston, Loraine Warde, John Warde, Judy Lawler, Doc McDonald, Cr Jessica Mitchell, and Council's Arts & Culture Manager David Hughes.
