Donation highlights gardens' trees of significance

Donation highlights gardens’ trees of significance

Teamwork: Barkly Square general manager Emma Hart, Barkly Square Gardens volunteers Valdi Cham and Margaret Shanahan, and Soroptimist International Ballarat branch members Lyn Robilliard and Fiona Tonkin. Photos: EDWINA WILLIAMS

SIGNIFICANT trees within the old Ballarat East Town Hall Gardens, now the Barkly Square Gardens, are being labelled thanks to support from members of the Soroptimist International Ballarat branch.

The local Soroptimists have donated more than $560 for 20 metal plaques, which have been manufactured and donated by workers at the on-site BGT Jobs and Training Skills Centre.

“One of our aims is to do with the environment,” Soroptimist member Fiona Tonkin said. “We also have a strong sense of the value of history and the value of the city that we’re in.

“These gardens are one of the hidden places that should be more visible and recognised more.”

Many of the trees are significant due to their age – some being 165 years old – and some were planted by members of the British royal family.

The plaques have been funded by the Soroptimist International Ballarat branch and manufactured and donated by staff in the BGT Skills Centre.

“As we get older, it matters to me to know how hard my predecessors worked to establish places of pleasure like this for us to enjoy,” Soroptimist member Lyn Robilliard said. “If we can do the same thing, it’s worthwhile.”

Barkly Square Gardens volunteer coordinator Valdi Cham said the plaques will help visitors learn about the species of trees.

There is a master plan for the gardens in place, aiming to beautify them and promote their importance in the community.