Blue Mountains News

The first oak tree was planted on the 12 September 1934 by then Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Joseph A. Lyons.  The English Oak was chosen for its symbolic strength and long lifespan.

To date, 27 trees have been planted, with the last planting done by Hon. Julia Gillard AC in 2017.

Blue Mountains Mayor, Mark Greenhill said, "The oak trees have been planted by each Prime Minister or their closest living relative forming a living memorial to Sir Henry Parkes, known as the Father of Federation, and the Federal Prime Ministers. It is a nationally recognised tradition.

"Tony Abbott is the 28th Prime Minister of Australia and has a long history of public service that extends beyond his roles in government. His active volunteering with both the Surf Life Saving Club and RFS are well-known and reflect his strong commitment to serving the people of Australia. We in the Blue Mountains know too well the value of RFS volunteers.”

Tony Abbott held the position of Prime Minister of Australia from 18 September 2013 until 15 September 2015.

Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman MP, will join the Mayor in welcoming the former Prime Minister at Falconbridge, on Monday, 5 August.

The Blue Mountains community is invited to attend the official Tree Planting:

Date: Monday 5 August 2024
Time: 12pm – 1pm (arrive by 11:45am)
Venue: Prime Ministers’ Corridor of Oaks, Jackson Park, Faulconbridge

The ceremony is a family friendly event with plenty of informal standing room for general public.  Limited seating will be available. Residents are encouraged to catch the train, walk or carpool as there is minimal street and public parking in the Corridor of Oaks precinct.

The Corridor of Oaks is a heritage conservation area of state and local cultural significance and is a rare example of commemorative planting in Australia dedicated to Prime Ministers. Of considerable significance to Faulconbridge and the local community, the site is a popular spot for tourists and locals.

The park underwent a significant upgrade of accessibility, landscaping and amenities features in 2023, funded by the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program.