Anzac spirit growing in Buderim Village Park

Buderim’s first district level park has an enduring link to Australia’s involvement in the First World War.

An Aleppo Pine tree, grown from a cone brought back from Gallipoli by a digger after World War I has been planted in Buderim Village Park.

It symbolises the ‘Lone Pine’ that was a sole survivor of a group of trees cut down by Turkish soldiers who used the timber and branches to cover their trenches during battle.

The tree was destroyed during the First World War however pine cones that remained attached to branches over the trenches were brought home by two Australian soldiers.

Division 6 Councillor Christian Dickson said the planting of a ‘Lone Pine’ at Buderim Village Park had been made possible by the Buderim War Memorial Community Association (BWMCA) and the State Government.

“The sapling Aleppo Pine was acquired by the Anzac Day Sub-Committee of the BWMCA,” he said.

“A Queensland Government grant of $24,000 assisted council in planting this special tree on the eastern escarpment of Buderim Village Park and constructing a low wall where a plaque will be placed to the tree’s significance.

“Flagpoles and flagpole sleeves were also installed as part of this project along with a power supply for future Anzac Day dawn service ceremonies.”

State Member for Buderim, Steve Dickson said the Anzac Centenary Community Grants Program recognised the role many communities played in supporting Australia’s involvement in the First World War.

“This project will help to ensure that the memory of the men and women who served our country and their sacrifice continues to be recognised and preserved for future generations,” he said.

Buderim Anzac Day sub-committee Chair David Woodrow said the planting of the Aleppo pine would add a special element to next year’s 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings on April 25, 1915.

“From next year, the Anzac Day dawn service will be held on the new village green in Buderim Village Park and this ‘Lone Pine’ will add a very special element, particularly to next year’s centenary anniversary,” he said.

“On behalf of the BWMCA I thank council and the State Government for helping to provide this tangible link to the memory of our Anzacs.”