Tocumwal Lions Club member Kate Folliard with community member Brayden Damon and Lions club members Brian Folliard, Geoff Edwards and Keith and Carol Kennedy. Photo by: Victoria Kennedy.
Photo by
Victoria Kennedy
The oldest peppercorn on the Murray River has been given a new lease on life, with the Tocumwal icon now lit up with lights for the community to enjoy.
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The more than 160-year-old tree, known as the Tree of Knowledge, was officially lit up on Friday, July 17, with community members gathering to celebrate the special occasion.
The project was made possible through a collaboration between the Tocumwal Lions Club, Rotary Club of Tocumwal, Tocumwal Foreshore Committee, IGA Tocumwal, Club Tocumwal and the Tocumwal Community Development Committee.
TCDC president John Stringer said the idea to light up the tree came from TCDC vice-president Graham Priestley.
Tocumwal’s Tree of Knowledge is now lit up with different colours every night from 6pm. Photo by: Victoria Kennedy.
Photo by
Victoria Kennedy
“It’s brought all these groups together for one project, which is really special,” he said.
“The Tree of Knowledge now has 10 lights in it, and it comes on at about 6pm every night and goes off at midnight.
“We can light it any colours we want at any time ― on Fridays it is currently lit purple because the Rotary club are wearing purple shirts to raise awareness of domestic violence, so it’s helping support that cause.
“For the month of December, it will be a Christmas tree with flashing, red, blue and green lights.”
Mr Priestley said the tree held a special place in the hearts of Tocumwal residents, with many people gathering beneath its branches over the years to share stories and conversations.
Tocumwal’s Tree of Knowledge has been around for more than 160 years. Photo by: Victoria Kennedy.
Photo by
Victoria Kennedy
“It’s just an iconic landmark in Tocumwal that’s been there for everything,” he said.
As part of the project, the Men’s Shed painted a bench seat purple, which has now been placed beneath the tree to encourage people to sit, talk and enjoy the space.
Historical signs have also been installed to share the story of the landmark.
Mr Priestley said the TCDC was focused on creating community spirit in Tocumwal, with previous projects including Christmas carols and street lighting, the duck race, fishing competitions and food festivals.
The committee is always looking for new members and meets on the third Thursday of each month at the Tocumwal Library at 7pm.
Anyone interested in becoming a member can contact the committee on 0438 881 994.
The Men’s Shed restored and painted the bench seat that is beneath the Tree of Knowledge. Photo by: Victoria Kennedy.
Photo by
Victoria Kennedy
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