Kevin Rudd's Oak Tree

Today was a beautiful day in the Blue Mountains and one where its residents had the opportunity to be part of history. It was the day that the former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd arrived at the Corridor of Oaks in Faulconbridge to plant his tree.

The Corridor of Oaks

The idea of the Corridor of Oaks in Faulconbridge, situated in the appropriately named Jackson Park, was created by Joseph Jackson who also donated the land on which this park lies. An avenue of Oak trees has been planted, each tree representing an Australian Prime Minister since Federation. Each tree is to be planted by the Prime Minister of the time or their closest living relative, the first tree having been planted in 1934. Given Kevin Rudd's abrupt departure from leadership, he didn't get the chance to plant his tree until today - 8 October 2012.

There was a happy crowd in attendance this morning to continue this important tradition in the Blue Mountains.

The day began with three wondeful speeches of Welcome to Country acknowledging the traditional owners of the land. They thanked Kevin Rudd for saying "Sorry", obviously a personal and meaningful event to them and a significant moment in Australia's history. 

The event continued with speeches from Mayor Daniel Myles , followed by Senator Doug Cameron and finally the Hon Kevin Rudd MP.

Kevin Rudd began by insisting that it is the Indigenous people of Australia who accepted "the apology" who should be thanked and not himself. He went on to pay tribute to the many great Prime Ministers of the past who he said had acted in times which were much more difficult than now.

This certainly was not an uncomfortable memory of a past leadership but a celebration of his time as Prime Minister and an acknowledgement of the memorable and important things that were done throughout his time.

Finally it was time for the tree planting:

Starting with shovelling some dirt....

Then a few poses for the crowd...

Then the tree went in...

All in a day's work...

The event ended with the happy mingling of the crowd gathered, many photo opportunities and well wishers taking the opportunity to shake Kevin Rudd's hand.

DH