David Williamson AO Australian Hero Ceremonial Tree Planting
27 May 2021
David Williamson AO, Australia’s best-known dramatist and playwright, and a National Living Treasure, has been recognised with an Australian Hero Tree Dedication at the National Arboretum Canberra.
The Australian Hero initiative recognizes professionals and individuals who have distinguished themselves in their field of endeavour, and significantly contributed to Australian society. This resilient Hoop Pine dedicated to David can live up to 450 years and grow to 60 metres high - and is the perfect Australian tree to represent recipients of the Australian heroes!
Internationally acclaimed, with 54 plays, 12 screenplays, and 5 mini-series, David’s prolific output over the past 50 years far exceeds that of any other contemporary Australian dramatist.
His playwright work primarily focuses on themes of Australian politics, loyalty and family in middle-class, contemporary, urban Australia. He has a sharp intellect for examining human psychology and verbal self-deception, within familiar Melbourne and Sydney settings.
His early playwriting career rose to prominence with theatre and David was originally best known for Don’s Party based on the 1969 Australian Federal election, and the Removalists centred around the abuse of power and authority including domestic violence.
In the 1980s Mr Williamson collaborated on screenplays for Gallipoli, Pharlap, and the Year of Living Dangerously, while his major stage works included The Club, The Department, Travelling North, The Perfectionist, Emerald City, Money and Friends and Brilliant Lies.
Uncle Warren Daley, Indigenous Ngunnawal elder, welcomed visiting dignitaries, guests and staff to country and wished everyone who travelled, a safe return. Tara Cheyne MLA acknowledged David’s tremendous contributions to literary world and to Australia highlighting that Mr Williamson has paved the way for younger voices to be heard, especially for minority playwrights.
Slider 1: David Williamson AO | Slider 2: (from left) Minister Tara Cheyne MLA, David Williamson AO and Uncle Warren Daley, Ngunnawal elder. | Slider 3: (from left) Mrs Williamson, David Williamson AO, Minister Tara Cheyne MLA, Scott Saddler, Executive Branch Manager, National Arboretum Canberra and Stromlo Forest Park.