Celebrating the 2019 Victorian Tree of the Year
The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) is excited to announce the 2019 Victorian Tree of the Year as the River Red Gum in Bulleen.
The River Red Gum received an impressive 1,045 out of total 3,669 votes and took out the coveted title over the other 10 significant trees shortlisted.
The National Trust is the state’s leading advocate for the protection of trees, celebrating the positive impact they have on the local community. To date, the National Trust has classified more than 20,000 trees in 1,200 places across the state on the National Trust Register of Significant Trees.
Simon Ambrose, CEO of the National Trust, said the Victorian Tree of the Year contest aims to raise awareness of the conservation of the state’s natural heritage and the benefits trees provide to our
culture and way of life.
“It’s been great to see the public get involved in voting this year. We have heard many amazing stories about local trees that have truly captured the hearts of communities.
“The River Red Gum is a perfect example of a beautiful specimen that truly stands apart from the rest,” said Mr Ambrose.
The River Red Gum is located on the corner of Bridge Street and Manningham Road in Bulleen. With a 300-year history, it measures 20 metres high with a canopy spread of 17 metres. The tree was originally saved by a local resident when the rest of the block was cleared to make way for the service station.
The River Red Gum currently faces possible removal to make way for the North East Link Project. The National Trust will be calling on the North East Link Authority to explore all possible options for it to be retained.
“We are pleased to see the community get behind the River Red Gum and celebrate the landmark that it has become in the local area. The Victorian Tree of the Year contest is extremely important in helping raise awareness of tree conservation and celebrating the great natural wonders we have in Victoria,” said Mr Ambrose.
All 10 significant trees shortlisted for this year’s title demonstrated an impressive range of characteristics. The 2019 runner up was the ‘King Billy’ Snow Gum, receiving a remarkable 821 votes. The King Billy is located in Parks Victoria’s Alpine National Park at 1,600 metres altitude. It is one of the largest specimens known in the Mansfield region, with a canopy spread close to 20 metres.
To view the full shortlist, click here. You can join in on the conversation using #VictorianTreeOfTheYear.
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For media enquiries, please contact:
Georgina Crosling, National Trust of Australia (Victoria) – (03) 9656 9805 or georgina.crosling@nattrust.com.au
