General News
6 November, 2023
Tree of the Year named in Guildford
A more than 500-year-old River Red Gum tree in Guildford has been named the Victorian Tree of the Year for 2023 by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria). Located on the Midland Highway near Guildford and known by locals as The Big Tree, the...
A more than 500-year-old River Red Gum tree in Guildford has been named the Victorian Tree of the Year for 2023 by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).
Located on the Midland Highway near Guildford and known by locals as The Big Tree, the River Red Gum stands at an impressive 32 metres and is estimated to be more than 530 years old.
The tree was this week named by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) as Victorian Tree of the Year — a contest that aims to raise awareness of the conservation of the state’s natural heritage, highlighting the benefits trees provide to culture and life.
The National Trust’s CEO Simon Ambrose said the River Red Gum was the clear winner of the contest with more than 40 percent of all votes cast in its favour.
“Our winner is a well-respected landmark within the Guildford community, and voters have shown the significant contribution the River Red Gum has made to the local landscape with outstanding size and curious fusion of branches,” he said.
The runner-up in this year’s competition was the Moreton Bay Fig in Altona and Mr Ambrose encouraged residents to take part in future competitions.
Mount Alexander Shire mayor Rosie Annear said council, and the whole community, was thrilled with the result.
“We’re so excited and proud that the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) has declared Guildford’s Big Tree as the 2023 Victorian Tree of the Year,” she said.
“It is a magnificent tree that’s well-known and cherished by both the Guildford and wider community. The Big Tree is also adored by visitors to our region, who often include it as a destination when they come to the shire. It’s a go-to attraction for tours and a place to take friends and family when they visit.”
It’s the second time in less than five years the Mount Alexander Shire has had a tree take out the title of Victorian Tree of the Year, with the English Oak located near the playground in the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens awarded the title in 2021.
The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) is the state’s leading advocate for the protection of trees. Since 1982, the trust has classified over 1400 trees across Victoria on the National Trust Significant Tree Register.