Speeches
Saturday, 28 March 2026
Minlaton Tree Planting Ceremony
Rod and I are delighted to join you for this milestone in the life of your community, following on from last night’s wonderful gala dinner.
Today, by witnessing the planting of these commemorative trees, we not only honour the past, but we also create a living, growing symbol of community spirit that will endure for stand for generations to come.
I am honoured to join the pioneer families here today who will plant 15 trees; one for each decade of the life of the town of Minlaton.
I commend the Progress Association and the Minlaton 150 Committee for their thoughtful goodwill and constructive partnership with council throughout this project.
The reinstatement of the median strip here on Fourth Street has clearly been important to local residents for many years.
The choice of Eucalyptus Porosa – the Mallee Box – which is local to the region, forms part of the natural story of this greater landscape, its resilience and enduring character.
I understand these trees have been nurtured for the past 18 months and will, after planting, stand as a testament to both the historic milestone we commemorate today and Minlaton’s evolving story.
Today we celebrate the local families who will be associated with these plantings and whose names feature in the stories, contributions and connections that have shaped Minlaton’s history:
Boundy
Brown and Tonkin
Butler
Button
Cook
Croser
Edwards
Glazbrook
Hoyle
Litster
Mahar (Marr)
Martin
Rice
Schwarz
and Watters.
As I mentioned at the dinner last night, generations of families have built this region and hold deep ties to the area.
Others have chosen Minlaton as their home more recently, bringing new skills, energy, and perspectives.
I also thank the local people whose practical contributions have made this project possible:
The local stone carrying the plaque that was installed by volunteers from the Progress Association, and the donation of the soil for the median strip by Redding Crushing.
Friends
As these trees grow, they will provide shade, habitat, and beauty.
They will stand as symbols of community collaboration and pride. Importantly they will bridge the past 150 years and the next.
May they flourish alongside the community’s resilience and spirit.