Source : Perth Now news
The Minnawarra Park tree, one of Armadale’s oldest landmarks, will be partly preserved in a new sculpture trail and historic display.
The sugar gum tree stood tall for more than a century, forming a beloved backdrop to Armadale’s transformation from the early 1900s. But it succumbed to severe internal decay and fell in January 2025.
Armadale council voted unanimously last week to create a small sculpture trail and historical display from timber the city salvaged, preserved and set aside for future use.
Mayor Ruth Butterfiled said the artworks and timber cross section would celebrate the tree’s connection to Minnawarra Park and the city’s heritage.
“Some things become woven into the identity of a community, and the huge sugar gums in and around Minnawarra Park are certainly one of them,” she said.
“For well over 100 years, this tree stood in Armadale and although the tree had reached the end of its life, we had an opportunity to ensure its legacy didn’t end there.
“A section of the sugar gum will be preserved as a tree transect and permanently housed at History House Museum. The cross section will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the tree’s age, growth and life story, creating a lasting educational record of one of Armadale’s most significant heritage trees.”
The city will also engage artists to develop concepts and costings for a permanent public artwork that incorporates the remaining timber.
The sugar gum tree is believed to have been planted in the late 1800s or early 1900s. It formed part of the original Brookside estate and was one of the few trees that survived from the old Brookside gardens.
It was recognised in the city’s local heritage survey with the highest management category.
Early WA pioneers, doctor Roberta Jull and her husband Martin Jull originally owned the estate. It’s believed they planted sugar gums throughout the property thinking eucalyptus trees promoted healthy air and could protect against influenza.
The city acquired the land in 1958 and transformed it into what is now known as Minnawarra Park.
This council-endorsed preservation project continues the legacy of the park as a historical hotspot, home to the Minnawarra Historic Precinct, History House Museum and several other significant heritage places.
Proposed designs, locations and costs for the display and sculpture trail will come back to council for approval before installation.
