‘…it had to be something special and unique and something that had wow factor’ - Alan Franklin, NAC Project Manager, ACT Government
This project was initiated and generously gifted by the Friends of the National Arboretum Canberra as part of the Arboretum's 10th birthday celebrations, and is dedicated to the thousands of people who have worked over two decades to make the Arboretum what it is today.
The documentary captures the story of the of the Arboretum’s establishment through a mixture of historical and contemporary footage and oral histories from people who were closely involved from the outset, providing rich insights into the Arboretum's history and development.
Many talented hands and minds brought the Arboretum through the phases of conception, planning, and design implementation, to realise the ideas and designs that now make a world class arboretum.
The Arboretum’s journey wasn’t without its complexities; from pine plantation ravaged by 2003 bushfires that devastated Canberra, drought, and a design that pushed digital fabrication technology at the time. Despite the hurdles, the passion and vigour of so many individuals assisted to not only achieve the idea, but helped it exceed expectations and flourish to the significant landmark it is today.
Filmed on Ngunnawal Country
Get involved with the friends: https://friendsarboretumcanberra.org.au/
Produced by SRH for the Friends of the National Arboretum Canberra.
