Snow Gum significance

Ian Starkey from Koorooman Native Nursery at Leongatha North was contacted by Dr Alec Bennett of Leongatha, who owned a property at Five Mile, between Tarwin Lower and Walkerville, regarding a small stand of Snow Gum growing on his grazing property, on the coastal dunes, close to ancient Aboriginal middens.

Quite a mystery, as the name implies, Snow Gum is renowned as an Alpine species?

Further field study has found small stands along the South Gippsland coast, from Five Mile to the Powlett River, near Tooradin at Five Ways and also the Mornington Peninsula, around Arthur’s Seat.

At this timely, historic time for the proper recognition of our First Australians, we are formally acknowledging and understanding the influence our indigenous First Australians have had contributing to ancient and modern Australian culture, landscapes and economy. The oldest, surviving human culture in the world today!

I believe the historical occurrence of the “mysterious” Snow Gum is living evidence in South Gippsland of the ancient, seasonal expeditions Aboriginal clans made to the coast for seafood, cultural and recreational activities.

South Gippsland was likely a meeting place for tribal ceremony interaction and trade, and I believe Snow Gum seeds were carried on those journeys.

Our family farm is in the Parish of Koorooman, which interestingly was noted by renowned local historian John Murphy, that the community were once concerned the name Koorooman was too associated with savages, when the name of the Leongatha township was decide.

In my lifetime, our family have found local Aboriginal stone artefacts, which is evidence of stone quarrying, tool making and trading. 

Recently, I returned an extraordinarily crafted, beautiful stone axe head to the custody of local Aboriginal leadership, at an Australia Day, Smoking Ceremony, at Korumburra.

Significantly, I have planted seed grown Snow Gum, from Five Mile, on the historical land of our South Gippsland - First Australians and my farming Lester families.

I imagine the significant persistence of the Snow Gum, embodies the spirit of Aboriginals, past and present.

I share a special affinity to the land that sustains life on earth and the Aboriginal culture that respects its spiritual significance and sustainability.

Our history books are often preoccupied with European development - however, we have so much to learn about the complexity, culture, sustainability of our natural environment and society wellbeing.
It is timely, to step forward and let us better respect our First Australians and offer a better Respect for Country, a stronger Voice, Participation and Justice!

Richard Lester, Leongatha