The last tree has been planted at Lions Remembrance Park as part of green efforts by the Bundaberg and District Women's Veterans to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
Coinciding with a special Remembrance Day ceremony, a small group gathered at the community space to pay their respects while unveiling the final quandong tree placed at the site as part of the program.
The Australian Government initiative supports the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, to honour her life’s achievements through community-based tree planting.
These events recognise her dedicated service to the United Kingdom, the Realms, Australia, and the broader Commonwealth over the past 70 years.
President of the Bundaberg and District Women's Veterans Jenny Waldron said it was an honour to take part in the event, which was especially significant to the group due to the Queen's history.
“Before becoming Queen she served with the Auxiliary Territorial Service, the women's branch of the British Army, during the Second World War, joining when she turned 18 and training as a mechanic,” she said.
“She was also the first female of the royal family to be an active duty member of the British Armed Forces.
Jenny said the completed tree planting project had spanned eight years and was a dream come true for the group of proud women veterans.
“23 trees have been planted at the western end of the War Nurses Memorial Park, adding to the trees we planted at the memorial end in 2014 for the centenary of ANZAC,” she said,
“Here at Lions Remembrance Park, 10 trees have been planted to complement the war memorials that reside here.
“This project ensures our treasured war memorial parks are presented in a fitting manner to the community and reflect the high esteem for our war nurses and our men and women who have served Australia.”
Bundaberg Region Mayor Jack Dempsey attended the event and thanked the group members for their support.
“Thank you to both the Bundaberg and District Women's Veterans and the Lions Club members for the work that you do and your ongoing commitment to the community,” he said.
“These trees are a wonderful commemoration and also a mark of respect for those who have served and continue to serve our great nation.”
