Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (second from left) and his wife Robyn (left) pictured with Dunedoo Coolah Landcare Group’s Anne Kable and Sally Dent, and Central NSW Business HQ Tourism Specialist Rebecca George at O.L. Milling Park in Dunedoo where three mature Kurrajong trees will be transplanted thanks to funding provided through the Australian Government’s Planting Trees for The Queen’s Jubilee program.

Dunedoo’s O.L. Milling Park will be even greener and shadier thanks to an $11,400 grant to plant trees in honour of the legacy of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and her 70 years of service to Australia and the Commonwealth.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the funding has been awarded to the Dunedoo Coolah Landcare Group through the Australian Government’s Planting Trees for the Queen’s Jubilee program

“Throughout her 70-year reign, The Queen is said to have planted 1500 trees at community events and ceremonies as a long-lasting reminder of the special occasion for the people in those communities,” Mr Coulton said.

“This program is a way of honouring that legacy, while benefitting the environment and increasing the area of tree canopy in our local communities.

“We’ve just witnessed celebrations take place across the UK and the Commonwealth in honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and now community groups in the Parkes electorate will be able to play a part in the festivities.

“Dunedoo Coolah Landcare Group is really getting into the spirit, with a big commemorative event planned in Dunedoo. The funding will be used to transplant three mature Kurrajong trees to O.L. Milling Park, as well as plant an additional 100 trees along with river.”

Dunedoo Coolah Landcare Group Coordinator Fiona Luckhurst said it’ll all be part of Dunedoo’s bicentenary celebration on October 8.

“The three trees will be planted to reflect the theme, ‘Recognition, Reconciliation and Renewal’,” Ms Luckhurst said.

“The first tree will recognise The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the Commonwealth, as well as our local history. The second tree will be for the reconciliation of our rich Indigenous heritage with the European settlement of Dunedoo, and will involve a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony during the formalities. The third tree will symbolise renewal and will be planted by young people who are our legacy for the future.

“This has been a long time coming and will be a lovely way to acknowledge our Aboriginal heritage and European settlement, moving forward for a positive future for all.

“The tree planting and bicentenary celebration will coincide with our Made ‘n’ Grown Market, and the event will include a carp muster with prizes and giveaways, biodiversity workshops, a fishing clinic for young people, a guided bushwalk, a bush tucker morning tea and live music. Everyone is welcome to come along.”

A total of seven projects in the Parkes electorate have received funding to plant trees, with grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000.