Diving back into the archives at the Star News office, we found the original news article published in the Wednesday 29 July 1992 edition about the official opening of Wilson Botanic Park. We have republished most of the report here, to help celebrate the park’s 30th anniversary this month.
Governor General Bill Hayden officially opened Berwick’s Wilson Botanic Park on Sunday (26 July) afternoon before a crowd estimated at well over 1500 people.
Mr Hayden, who was accompanied by his wife, unveiled a plaque and planted a Queensland kauri to commemorate the vice-regal couple’s first official visit to the City of Berwick.
Mrs Hayden planted a broad-leaf linden tree.
Mayor Cr Kirsty Lottkowitz, on behalf of the City of Berwick, presented the vice-regal couple with a painting of the park by local water colour artist Margaret Cromb in appreciation of their attendance.
In a wide ranging speech which touched on the significance of the park as a research centre for rare and endangered species of plant life, the governor general said the first thing he wanted to do was congratulate Mr and Mrs George Wilson who donated a large part of the site.
The work of landscaping, planting, building and allowing the gardens to mature would go on well into the next century, but he believed the achievements to date had been remarkable.
“We have had the opportunity to see something of the plans and the work already completed to transform 36 hectares of disused quarry into a botanic park of great beauty and significance,” Mr Hayden said.
He had also been told that volunteers turned out most weekends to help with the gardening, or contributing to the purchase of trees and shrubs for the park.
Berwick itself was one of Australia’s faster growing municipalities and areas such as Wilson botanic park were needed not only for recreation but for the quiet contemplation of nature.
He has been looking at the long term plans for the park and believed they promised a place of tranquillity and of a close, sympathetic bond with the natural world.
Cr Lottkowitz said the project had captured the imagination of the whole municipality and was an excellent example of community involvement.
Those working for its development had the shining example of another quarry turned-into-park, the Butchart Gardens in British Colombia, Canada, which were stunning in any season.
“I certainly intend to return to Wilson Botanic Park in 50 years’ time to observe its progress,” she promised.
“The oak tree which I planted is already taller than me, but in 50 years’ time I hope to be able to sit under it.”
Since 1988, there had been regular public planting days and several open afternoons, and over the past year, the friends of Wilson botanic park had contributed thousands of hours of volunteer time to the park.
“Many of you here will have planted a tree and know what a great feeling it is to be contributing to this beautiful park,” the Mayor said
Thanks were also extended to Lex Nieboer, Syd Grey, Jamie Rowe and others who had worked seven-day weeks to get the park ready for the opening.
-From a Pakenham Gazette report published Wednesday 29 July 1992 on page 27.
