Perth Voice Interactive

AN HISTORIC tree planted by early settlers in Bayswater should be safeguarded, says Cr Chris Cornish.

He is pushing for a significant tree register in the city and wants the veteran olive to be its first entry.

According to local history book Changes they’ve seen, the olive tree on Slade Street was planted in the early 1840s and is the “oldest remnant of European habitation in the district”.

In the 1890s the tree became a meeting place for a nascent Baptist congregation which was the first “united in Church Fellowship” in the area.

The small congregation included Mr Henry Halliday, of Halliday Park fame.

As the first Italian families arrived in the 1930s, the then-90-year-old olive tree “gained a new following as Italian people gathered there for the communal olive harvest”.

Cr Cornish says in the 1960s the tree, situated under Western Power lines, was subject to a “severe” pruning which has left it misshapen.

“This olive tree offers history and heritage value to numerous sections of the community and I’d like to see it properly recognised and cared for,” he says.

“Certainly if the city decides to proceed with a significant tree register, I’ll be pushing for this tree to take pole position.

“This tree was considered a landmark for the area in the 1930s. It is important for use to recognise that significance.”

The tree has a small plaque and was added to the Swan River heritage trail as part of Australia’s bicentennial project.

Bayswater’s official emblem is based on this olive tree.

The council is currently investigating the feasibility of creating a significant tree register.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK