The planting of wattle trees has, for obvious reasons, long been at the heart of Wattle Day commemorations. The original conception of the day, however, involved something more substantial. In her excellent article “Wattle Nationalism”, which presents an overview of the history of the wattle as a symbol of Australian identity, Libby Robin cites prominent opal dealer and naturalist Tullie Wollaston as having advocated for an ongoing connection to specific trees as a symbol of our ongoing connection to the fledgling nation:
Wollaston advocated wattle planting – not just wearing the blossom one day of the year, but watching the tree grow for seven and 12 years hence. The links between wattle and nation are apparent.
This initiative and the sentiment that drove it were foremost of mind for the men of the Victorian branch of the Australian Natives’ Association when they ventured out to the hills northeast of Melbourne on Saturday to honour Wattle Day with a visit to the official ANA golden wattle. It was the planting of this tree on Wattle Day last year that initiated our branch’s cultural crusade, through which a concerted effort has been made to host regular formal celebrations to commemorate days of significance; and those members returning for the first time since that day were pleased to note the health of the sapling and its substantial growth over the intervening 12 months. A brief ceremony encompassing some minor speeches, rudimentary plant-care procedures – largely symbolic given the hardiness and low maintenance requirements of the wattle – and the customary recitation of W.H. Ogilvie’s “Sunny Country” was followed by dinner at a local establishment, where members eagerly discussed possibilities for future events, including the planting and development of a wattle walk.
I dreamed of a sunny country last night, a golden dream
Of wattles down the gully, and of gum trees by the stream;
Of dancing haze and sides of blue, no other land can show
Save this, our sunny country, where the golden wattles grow.“Sunny Country” – W.H. Ogilvie
We extend a hearty happy Wattle Day to all Australians; and, with spring having now officially sprung, we look forward to continuing to enjoy our spectacular native flora at its blossoming best over the coming months.
M. J. Brown
Governor – ANA Victoria