A plaque has been unveiled and trees planted in Ashmont to commemorate the dedicated service of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to the Commonwealth over the past 70 years.
Wagga Wagga City Council was successful in receiving grant funding from the Australian Government's Planting Trees for The Queen's Jubilee Program to plant 27 mature trees within two Council parks in Ashmont – Jack Misson Oval and Crisp Street Park.
The objective of the program is to commemorate Her Late Majesty's Jubilee through community tree planting events across Australia.
Acting Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Jenny McKinnon and Wiradjuri and First Nations Elder Aunty Mary Atkinson joined students from Ashmont Public School for the plaque unveiling and tree planting ceremony at Jack Misson Oval on Friday 16 September 2022.
Aunty Mary Atkinson presented the Welcome to Country before one minute's silence was observed in honour of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
"The Queen's reign spanned 70 years, leaving a significant legacy across the Commonwealth that will continue into the future," Cr McKinnon said.
"Planting trees is a simple gesture, but one that can also have a lasting legacy, in honouring Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
"These trees will provide our community with a shady and inviting place to gather together, as well as increasing habitat for local wildlife for decades to come."
To acknowledge Her Late Majesty's 70 years of service, a group of students from Ashmont Public School shared their hopes and dreams for the future.
Each student took turns in reading their submissions and dropping their piece of paper into the hole dug for the tree planting.
This project is jointly funded through Wagga Wagga City Council and the Australian Government's Planting Trees for The Queen's Jubilee Program.
