Ms Jocelyn Plovits, Chair of the Friends of the National Arboretum Canberra - 17/9/2015


On 17 September 2015, Ms Jocelyn Plovits, Chair of the Friends of the National Arboretum Canberra 2009-2015, was accompanied by Mr Stephen Alegria, Executive Manager of the National Arboretum Canberra as she planted a Drooping sheoak (Allocasuarina  verticillata) in Forest 100.

Mr Alegria thanked Jocelyn for her outstanding contribution as Chair of the Friends of the National Arboretum Canberra over six highly significant years for the organisation.

Jocelyn Sherry and Trish standing around the newly planted tree    

The Drooping sheoak (Allocasuarina  verticillata) is an Australian native evergreen tree which grows in diverse habitats. As the primary food source for the endangered glossy black-cockatoo, it is an important tree for biodiversity conservation.

Growing up to 10 metres high, the Drooping sheoak is valued for windbreaks, drought fodder and firewood. The wood is used for posts and as a specialty timber for furniture-making.

Ceremonial trees planted from around the world

The National Arboretum Canberra is home to over 44,000 trees from more than one hundred nations. Many Australian and international leaders and public figures have planted ceremonial trees at the National Arboretum, including Their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge; His Excellency Jose Ramos-Horta, President of the Republic of Timor-Leste; renowned Australian author, Mr Thomas Keneally and Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark.

Through ceremonial tree plantings and other special events, the National Arboretum Canberra builds partnerships with local, national and international organisations, individuals and communities to further its role in global tree conservation and research.