There is an avenue of trees at the National Arboretum Canberra where selected Australians are recognised for their contribution to the fabric of our society and have distinguished themselves in their field of endeavour.
Today, Rosie Batty AO, the 2015 Australian of the Year and outspoken crusader against family violence, was recognised by the ACT Government with an Australian Hero Tree Dedication in Central Valley.
Ngunnawal Elder, Aunty Violet Sheridan, offered a very warm Welcome to Country for those gathered for the ceremony. John Mackay AM, Patron of the National Arboretum Canberra, spoke of and acknowledged Rosie’s significant achievements and contributions.
The Hoop pine, Araucaria cunninghamii, dedicated to Rosie is one of a series of trees that flanks the Central Valley zig zag path. This resilient species can live up to 450 years and grow to 60m high – the perfect Australian tree to represent recipients.
After the personal tragedy of the death of her son Luke from family violence in 2014, Rosie has stepped into a leadership role to advocate for victims impacted by family violence and to challenge the victim-blaming narrative.
During her tenure as Australian of the Year in 2015 Rosie made the most of her position of influence by advocating for systemic reform and gender equality.
Rosie was made Deputy Chair and Foundation member of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Advisory Panel on Reducing Violence against Women and in 2016 became the inaugural Chair of the Victim Survivor’s Advisory Council for the Victorian Government.
Rosie has been inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women and is a recipient of the Pride of Australia National Courage Medal.
She received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of the Sunshine Coast for her contribution to raising national awareness and action concerning family violence, and an Order of Australia in the 2019 Queen’s birthday honour’s list.
Rosie is also a Board Director for the Royal Women’s Hospital, Patron of both the Australian Childhood Foundation and Doncare Community Services, and Co-Chair of the White Ribbon Advisory Council.
Friday 25 November was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. On this day each year, communities across the world begin 16 Days of Activism seeking to inspire action to end violence against women and girls across the world. It is fitting that a tree is dedicated to Rosie Batty AO during this time frame to raise awareness in the role we all play in preventing domestic violence.
You can visit the Australia Hero Tree Dedications in Central Valley at the National Arboretum Canberra.