2019 Victorian Tree of the Year voting opens

The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) is excited to announce voting is officially open for the 2019 Victorian Tree of the Year, with 10 significant trees shortlisted for the coveted title.

The Victorian Tree of the Year contest aims to raise awareness of the conservation of the state’s natural heritage and the benefits trees provide to our culture and way of life.

The National Trust is the state’s leading advocate for the protection of trees, celebrating the positive impact they have on the local community. To date, the National Trust has classified more than 20 000 trees in 1200 places across the state on the National Trust Register of Significant Trees.

Trees have been nominated based on a variety of categories from having an impressive canopy or unique history to being the biggest or oldest of its kind.

Trees have been nominated based on a variety of categories from having an impressive canopy or unique history to being the biggest or oldest of its kind.

Simon Ambrose, CEO of the National Trust, said the Victorian Tree of the Year provides an opportunity for the community to celebrate the great natural wonders that enrich our lives.

“The contest is a chance for people to share their stories and have some fun while also strengthening their connection with significant trees.”

“The 2018 Victorian Tree of the Year was the Lollipop tree at Parks Victoria’s Mount Beckworth Scenic Reserve, getting an impressive 45 per cent of the total votes. This year, we hope to see the public get even more involved by voting for a tree that has truly captured their heart,” said Mr Ambrose.

This year’s nominees boast a number of impressive characteristics, such as the ‘King Billy’ Snowgum in Alpine National Park, one of the largest specimens known in the Mansfield region. Or the River Red Gum in Bulleen, with a 300-year history, which was saved by a local community member when the Red Gum forest of the region was cleared.

Voting for the Victorian Tree of the Year will be open through the Australian Heritage Festival from Thursday, 18 April to Sunday, 19 May with the winner announced at the end of May.

To view the shortlist visit nationaltrust.org.au/treeoftheyear and to cast your vote, visit the Facebook page. You can join in on the conversation using #VictorianTreeOfTheYear.