If only the trees could talk

A feature of the 38th breakfast, organised by the Drouin Rotary Club and attracting a capacity crowd, was guest speaker Judy Farmer who received a rapturous round of applause for her talk “If Only the Trees Could Talk”.

Linking people and stories of the past to iconic tree landmarks still standing across the town, Ms Farmer’s talk was insightful and informative.

“Australia Day is a time when we reflect on things past, look to the future and consider the values, milestones, landmarks, hopes and aspirations we as Australians, and in this case as Drouin citizens, have for our town and our nation,” said Ms Farmer.

“The remnant trees remaining in paddocks and along road corridors and unused government roads could all testify to the life and history of a town,” she said. “There are so many stories.”

Whether old forest remnants, 120-year-old European trees planted by past residents or 60year-old trees established for beautification of streets and parks, Ms Farmer questioned what stories they might tell and lessons they would share in 2017.

She believed these would include “slow down, breathe deep”, “strengthen those around you”, “give back more than you take”, “show strength in the face of adversity – put your roots down deep and hold on tight”, “be prepared to be pruned; it will make you stronger” and “hold on to what is good, remember what you’ve learned along the way and never take life for granted”.

Ms Farmer took the audience back to the 1870s when the Great Gippsland Forest was an impenetrable barrier to pioneers stretching from the Baw Baw mountains to the ocean.

A testament of these times is the huge Mountain Grey Gum called “The Settlement Giant” on the corner of Settlement Rd and Springwater Drv.

“It stands on its own now but once it was part of a great forest,” she said.

Ms Farmer said this tree could share the sounds of logging and tramways as Drouin was established, its surrounding lands being sold to the Winters and Colquhuon families who were Drouin’s butchers, and giving shelter to livestock when Binbeal Rd was called Slaughterhouse Rd.

Mrs Farmer also reflected on the 60 ficifolia trees planted by schoolchildren in 1939.

“Some older Drouin residents can show you which tree they planted when they were little,” said Ms Farmer. “Imagine the stories this avenue of trees could tell. How many of those school children died in World War II or came back injured?”

Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood said “it gives us an opportunity to thank each other” and “reflect on what has gone before us”.

Mr Blackwood also noted the important role local service organisations and emergency services play in our towns as well as Kurnai elders who work hard to preserve indigenous culture for the community and future generations.

He thanked Keith Pretty and the Drouin CWA for their ongoing roles with the Drouin breakfast.