Engineers first to sponsor a forest at Canberra's International Arboretum and Gardens
The contribution by engineers to the long history of significant tree plantings in Canberra was continued today by Engineers Australia becoming the first organisation to sponsor a forest of around 600 trees at the Canberra International Arboretum and Gardens.
The sponsorship announcement by Peter Godfrey, the National President of Engineers Australia, and initial tree plantings, marked the 90th anniversary of Engineers Australia as a national organisation, and was attended by the Australian Capital Territory Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope, and around 100 representatives of Australia''s engineering profession.
The establishment of the "Engineers Australia Forest" follows a day back in August 1926 when representatives of the then Institution of Engineers, Australia travelled from Sydney to Canberra to plant trees in Manuka Circle. The engineers in 1926 sponsored the Manuka plantings to help create both greater public interest and beauty in the national capital.
Peter Godfrey, drew on the theme of Engineers Australia''s 90th anniversary, "Looking Forward - Looking Back", as highly appropriate in relation to the history and future connections of the "Engineers Australia Forest" within the national capital, as an opportunity to establish another lasting commemoration of Australian achievement.
"Engineers Australia has already committed to planting around 200 trees that will recognise individual engineers, senior office bearers and distinguished people who have delivered conspicuous service to the Australian people through the engineering profession.
"As happened in 1926, Engineers Australia will be offering its members the opportunity to sponsor trees in the "Engineers Australia Forest" to expand the creation of a lasting celebration of the excellence of Australia''s engineering team''s ongoing contribution to the whole nation.
"The opportunity for Engineers Australia to be the first organisation to sponsor a forest in the Canberra International Arboretum and Gardens is the next most welcome linkage between the history of the engineering profession and the showcase of the national capital," Peter Godfrey said.
The trees in the "Engineers Australia Forest" are all Pin Oaks, one of the species planted at Manuka Circle in 1926.
Further Information:
John Bright, Media Adviser - 0407 234 490 - jbright@engineersaustralia.org.au
Vesna Strika - Director, Canberra Division - 02 6270 6515 / 0414 398 923
