Wednesday 19 March 2025 saw Malcolm Turnbull become the 29th Prime Minister to plant an oak tree in the Corridor of the Oaks at Faulconbridge.
Three other former prime ministers have also planted oak trees in the 21 st Century, continuing a tradition that began in 1934, four if you count John Howard planting his in 2000.
Kevin Rudd, the 26th prime minister to plant a tree, did so on 8 October 2012.
On Thursday 28 July 2017, former Prime Minister, Julia Gillard. became the 27th person to plant an oak in the Prime Ministers’ Corridor of the Oaks at Faulconbridge.
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbot planted his oak tree on Monday 5 August 2024. He was the 28th ex-PM to do so.
The Corridor of Oaks honours the distinguished Australians who have led our nation since Federation and symbolises the continuity of the high office of Prime Minister in our democratic Federation.
It also honours the memory and legacy of Sir Henry Parkes, Father of Federation, buried nearby.
This was the vision of Mr Joseph Jackson, MLA, former Lord Mayor of Sydney and resident of Faulconbridge who donated Jackson Park, part of Parkes’ original property, for the memorial corridor.
Jackson personally chose English oak because of its symbolic strength, durability and hardiness.
Then Prime Minister, Mr Joseph Lyons, planted the first tree on Wednesday 12 September 1934 while touring the Blue Mountains. His planting was not accompanied by the elaborate ceremony that future plantings enjoyed.
According to the Sydney Sun, Lyons planted a golden wattle, announcing that “the spirit of Parkes lives still”. The Sydney Morning Herald stated that he planted a golden maple. Obviously, neither reporter knew his trees.
The next tree planting ceremony on Saturday 29 June 1935 was a much grander ceremony.
Four oaks were planted that day. Lady Barton was the first to plant a tree, assisted by her daughter Mrs Maughan, in honour of her late husband, the first Prime Minister, Sir Edmund Barton, who had died in 1920 at the Hydro Majestic Hotel in Medlow Bath.
Lady Reid planted a tree for her late husband, Sir George Reid. Both Mr John Watson and Sir Joseph Cook planted their trees themselves.
Joseph Jackson envisaged a lasting, growing monument.
The next ceremony was held on Saturday 17 August 1935 when Mr William M. Hughes planted the sixth tree. He spoke about the courage and tenacity which symbolised Australia from its foundation and begged that all Australians continue to have faith in the future of their country.
