Oaks project catches on

LAKESIDE College, one of the 500 schools participating in the National Trust of Australia (Victoria)’s Gallipoli Oaks Project, has planted its very own special oak tree within its school ground today.
“This tree will become a living memorial and reminder of the Anzac spirit for our community’ said Mr David Spike, principal of Lakeside College in Pakenham.
“At the core of this project is the story of how a young Australian soldier, Captain Winter Cooke from Murndal, near Hamilton, noticed some unusual holly bushes while stationed at Gallipoli that had acorns like oak trees”, explains Ms Anna Foley, Senior Advocate for Environmental Heritage at the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).
“Captain Winter Cooke remembered that his Uncle Samuel in Hamilton was a bit of a tree enthusiast; someone who would be interested in these rare acorns, and so sent a package of acorns to him from Gallipoli almost 100 years ago.”
“Schools will plant seedlings that are direct descendants of those acorns from Gallipoli, and in doing so, will have their own direct link to the environment that the soldiers endured during the campaign.“
Dr Graeme L. Blackman, chairman of the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) said the planting of over 500 special Gallipoli Oaks during the Anzac Centenary would create enduring, living memorials in schools all across Victoria.
“Our project demonstrates the Trust’s and the community’s commitment to the passing on of the Gallipoli history from generation to generation as well as teaching an important environmental message about caring for our significant trees,” he said.
The National Trust of Australia (Victoria)’s Gallipoli Oaks Project has been made possible by the Victorian Government’s Anzac Centenary Community Grant program and the assistance of many other generous sponsors and supporters.
Schools can still register for the project at www.gallipolioaks.org.