As part of a visit to Canberra, His Excellency Hon. David Waiau Ranibok Adeang MP, President of the Republic of Nauru was welcomed to the National Arboretum Canberra.
Starting at Dairy Farmers Hill, His Excellency took in the sweeping views across Canberra where Stuart Jeffress, Executive Branch Manager, National Arboretum Canberra and University of Canberra Stromlo Forest Park, gave an introduction to the National Arboretum and pointed out several of the highlights in view including forests, sculptures and architecturally designed buildings.
His Excellency was then invited to plant a Hillgrove spotted gum Eucalyptus michaeliana along the zig zag path in the Central Valley which will serve as a living reminder of the friendship between Nauru and Australia.
Ngunnawal elder Uncle Warren Daley commenced the ceremonial proceedings by welcoming visiting dignitaries, guests and staff to Country.
Arboretum Horticulture team member Owen Rawlings then offered His Excellency the ceremonial shovel and watering can, where he turned the sod of soil over onto the tree and watered it, before signing the Guest Book.
His Excellency then took a selfie with this new ceremonial tree before a short walk to admire the other plantings in Central Valley.
An easy walk from the Visitors Centre, the Hillgrove spotted gum with its unmistakable gum leaf shape and bark that peels back to reveal the smooth pale trunk, will form part of a future shady walkway through the Central Valley that represents Australia’s strong international ties for all visitors to enjoy.