Iconic tree’s 100 year celebration
More than 300 people walked to the top of Mt Beckworth on the morning of April 22 to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the planting of the unique lollipop tree landmark.
The centenary event, part of the National Trust 2018 Australian Heritage Festival, also included the unveiling of a plaque noting the tree’s inclusion on the Trust’s Significant Tree Register.
The register notes a forest overseer and four local school children planted the tree in 1918.
Earlier this year, the descendants of the school children who planted the lone pinus radiata appealed for anybody with information about the whereabouts of the forester’s relatives, a Mr Jack Scarfe, to contact them directly.
To the descendants’ jubilation, Mr Scarfe’s relatives were located just in time for the centenary celebration.
John Drife, whose great, great uncle, Colin Drife helped to plant the tree along with three other boys, Arch Andrews, William Young and Francis Kinnersley, said he was delighted to have found relatives of the forester.
“I was just really blown away when Elaine Brogan, who also has a sister Carol Scott, contacted us to say Jack Scarfe was their great, great uncle.
“Mrs Brogan also has an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for the protection of history and heritage so it is really fitting,” Mr Drife said.
It is thought four trees were originally planted as a marker during the pioneering days, but three of the trees either died or were cut down.
The iconic tree gained its unique lollipop shape after its lower branches were removed during World War II when the site was used for precision bombing by RAAF pilots based at the Ballarat aerodrome.
In an article printed in The Courier in 1975, Colin Drife recalled the planting of the tree was part of a government scheme at the time to foster the softwoods industry.
The article said thousands of trees were planted on the west side of the range, but the boys were curious as to why the pines were being planted on the wet flats when they were taught that in their natural habitat, pines grew better higher up.
The tree is a distinctive landmark in the region and can be seen as far as 50km away.
It has long featured in commemorative activities, including the annual Australia Day sunrise walk.
