Back to search results » Back to search page »

HO81 - Coronation Tree

Other Name

Hannah Watts Park, High Street Melton

Location

Hannah Watts Park High Street MELTON, Melton Shire

File Number

216

Level

Included in Heritage Overlay

[1/1]
Coronation Tree

Statement of Significance

The Coronation Tree in Hannah Watts Park, High Street Melton, is of heritage significance as the expression of the Melton community's celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953, and of local affection for the new monarch. It is also a very fine specimen of a Mexican cypress tree.

The Coronation Tree in Hannah Watts Park, High Street Melton is historically significant at a LOCAL level (AHC A4, H1). It was planted by local dignitaries with all formality, and in the presence of the entire Melton State School No.430, to celebrate and mark the occasion of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on 2nd June 1953. It is expressive of the colossal popular interest in the monarchy and ties with Empire at the time, as evident in the huge crowds that turned out to greet the young new monarch when she visited Australia the following summer. It is the only known public memorial to Queen Elizabeth II, and the monarchy, in the Shire. The tree is also prominently situated beside the main road, in the main public reserve.

The Coronation Tree in Hannah Watts Park, High Street Melton is of social and aesthetic significance at a LOCAL level (AHC E1). The tree was identified as being a place valued by the local community at a heritage study forum. It is a very fine specimen of a Mexican cypress (cupressus lusitanica).

Overall, the Coronation Tree in Hannah Watts Park, High Street Melton is of LOCAL significance.

Group

Parks, Gardens and Trees