Admired Moonah in the running for Tree of the Year

A POPULAR tree on the coastal border of the towns of Indented Head and St Leonards has made the shortlist for this year’s Victorian Tree of the Year.

The moonah tree is one of nine trees located around the state to have made the shortlist, which will be voted on to determine the 2024 winner of the National Trust of Victoria honour.

Voting opened on Tuesday last week and will close at midnight on October 29.

Pushing the moonah tree’s case for this year’s award are members of the St Leonards Community Care Group, led by member Jenny Knox, who said the moonah was symbolic of the community it is located.

“An aspect of this tree is its resilience, our grandkids will see this tree in future generations, it is a big part of the identity of both the Indented Head and St Leonards communities.

“For a lot of people, the Moonah is a symbol of longevity, and that’s what this community needs to be. The Moonah is a part of the Bellarine’s pride.

The group estimates the tree is about 300 years old, a rare achievement for the species given its gradual decline over the decades due to clearing and development.

Moonah trees are regarded as sacred among Indigenous culture, spoken about as part of an ancient legend around forbidden love.

The moonah, native to the Bellarine Peninsula, has deep roots, making it possible for the tree to resist erosion and maintain soil health. It can also withstand strong winds and provides nourishment and nectar to birds during the summer.

The St Leonards Community Care Group works with Bellarine Bayside in maintaining the St Leonards foreshore and works with other community organisations to combat community issues.

“While we have a bit of a smaller patch compared to some of the other shortlisted trees, we’re confident the Bellarine Peninsula, Greater Geelong and Surf Coast regions will vote in force,” Ms Knox said.

“If the Bellarine sees the significance of the moonah, this is an opportunity for everyone to come together.

“It’s part of the identity of the region and it’s important for the region as a whole to get behind it.”

The 2024 Victorian Tree of the Year winner, decided on by public vote, will be announced on November 12.

Head to nationaltrust.org.au/treeoftheyear to vote.