A NEW CLARET ash has been planted in the Cave Gardens after a towering 70-year-old tree succumbed to wild weather in March.
Kindergarten students form Mount Gambier Childcare Centre were involved in the planting yesterday thanks to their “What It Means To Have A Voice” project.
Mount Gambier Childcare Centre assistant director Jess Mills said the children began the project to learn about how they can create change, even at a young age.
“We wanted them to know that it does not matter how small you are, you still have a voice and with that voice you could change the world,” she said.
“There was a Facebook post asking the public what they would like to see done with the space after the original tree fell and our students all agreed there should be another in its place.
“It was then presented to council and once it was decided there would be another, they contacted us to be part of the process.”
Ms Mills said her students loved the experience of helping plant the tree.
“It is something they will remember forever,” she said.
“We are really grateful council validated the voice of our children and helped teach them the important lesson of speaking up.
“In 20 years’ time they will be able to tell people they were the ones who planted the tree.”
Ms Mills said the centre now has plans to plant its own tree and will invite council members to join the activity.
Former Cave Gardens caretaker Fred Robinson said he was pleased to see the revival of the space.
“It was such a shame when the original tree blew over,” he said.
“Although it had been in poor shape for quite some time, it was still disappointing when it finally came down.
“Being able to replace it with a new one is a great way to keep the atmosphere of the Cave Gardens alive.”
Mr Robinson said the Cave Gardens was an iconic part of the region.
“There is nowhere else that you would see a cave right in the middle of the central business district,” he said.
“It is such a distinct part of our city, so we need to keep the gardens surrounding it in great condition.”
The new claret ash will eventually grow as tall as the other trees surrounding it and will create shade for those enjoying lunch in the gardens.
“We have mothers groups, schools, workers on lunch breaks and many others enjoying the gardens on a daily basis,” current Cave Gardens caretaker Jamie Pearson said.
“The more shade available the better – replacing the tree was the most practical choice for the space.”
