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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, First Session (54-1)
2019-10-30 Daily Xml
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Stretton, Dr H.

Mrs POWER (Elder) (15:20): Today, I rise to share with the house a very moving project which has come to fruition in my electorate thanks to a wonderful resident, Dr Helena Stretton. I had the pleasure of getting to know Helena after sending her a birthday card congratulating her on her 80th birthday. The digitally savvy doctor emailed me in response and shared why this birthday was particularly special for her. As a lover of flowers and trees, Helena's background includes studies in botany and plant pathology at the Waite Agricultural Research Institute.

Mr Duluk: In my electorate.

Mrs POWER: That is right—in the great member for Waite's electorate. Following a park ranger's call for volunteers, Helena celebrated her 70th birthday persuading friends to join her in planting 70 trees. The project was needed to help re-establish native bush, but Helena did not finish there. A decade later, for her 80th birthday, she informed me that she was delighted when the Mitcham council agreed to her idea of planting three very carefully selected trees.

Helena's vision was for the three trees to represent our traditional Indigenous landowners and First Peoples, our British settlement and migrants from all around the world. The trees were to be planted in close proximity so that, as they grow, their branches will intermingle and overlap. Dr Stretton had the vision that these trees would be a symbol worthy of reflection by all generations, and those of the future when we are no longer here—a symbol that Indigenous and immigrant people, all Australians, can live happily and thrive together on this land.

Fortunately, Mitcham council supported her vision, and an Australian grey box, an English oak and a Chinese maidenhair fern were planted in Haddington Reserve, Clapham. In our correspondence that followed her birthday card, Helena was so pleased that the trees had been planted, but feared that the meaning would be lost without a plaque explaining their symbolism. As her local member, I was pleased to join Helena on her next mission for her project by supporting her work towards getting a plaque for the trees.

It was wonderful to witness Dr Stretton deliver a moving deputation to the City of Mitcham council in June. Helena referred to the words of Noel Pearson, an Indigenous lawyer and land rights activist, and a source of inspiration for her project. She quoted Noel Pearson, who wrote:

…THREE STORIES MAKE AUSTRALIA:

the Ancient Indigenous Heritage…the British Institutions…and the adorning Gift of Multicultural Migration…

Three stories make us one: Australians.

I am pleased to inform the house that, thanks to Helena's further efforts, the plaque was placed in the reserve. A huge thankyou also to the administrative staff of Mitcham council and the elected members who supported this project. What an amazing and inspiring way for Helena to make such a valuable and insightful contribution to our community, let alone mark her 80th birthday. The plaque near the three trees in Haddington Reserve now reads:

These 3 trees

Natives of 3 diverse countries

An Australian Grey Box tree

An English Oak

A Chinese Maiden-hair Fern tree

Have been planted in close proximity,

In the hope they symbolise to future generations

How Indigenous and immigrant peoples

When sharing resources, space and their diversities

Can live happily and thrive,

Together in this Land.

14 April 2019

I encourage everyone in our local community to visit Haddington Reserve and see the plaque for themselves. I wholeheartedly congratulate Dr Helena Stretton on what she has achieved with this project in making her vision a reality. She is an inspiring woman creating an inspiring tribute, through nature, to multiculturalism, harmony and peace in the local community of Elder, our state and our country. To Dr Stretton, I say thank you. Our community is collectively stronger because of individual efforts such as yours.

Mr HUGHES: Mr Speaker, I draw your attention to the state of the house.

A quorum having been formed:

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