Same hands, new growth at Girgarre school memorial

By Jemma Jones

May 7, 2025

A quarter-century after Max Webster planted the inaugural Lone Pine at Girgarre Primary School, he’s returned to plant its successor.

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It was a special moment for Mr Webster who planted the first Lone Pine tree in 1999, and was asked to return to plant a second after the first had begun to have complications in its current location.

“I planted the original one, and I probably won’t be around to plant another one — so it was a special moment,” Mr Webster said.

On Wednesday, April 30, he joined students, families and staff of the primary school, along with guests and community leaders who gathered on the oval in front of a sprig of green buried in a small green pot.

It was an Aleppo pine tree bought from a forestry in Canberra by Kyabram Legacy, and is the descendant of a pine which stood on the peninsula of the infamous and devastating Gallipoli campaign.

The Aleppo pines, revered as Lone Pines across Australia, serve as symbols of the sacrifices made by soldiers at Gallipoli and throughout the long years of war.

That much was explained to the small but interested cohort of students at Girgarre Primary, who each had a literal hand in planting the small Lone Pine on their oval.

The service was hosted by Kyabram Legacy’s Gavon Armstrong, where students heard of the story of the Lone Pine, and the sacrifices made by soldiers through readings from members Graeme James, Ian Danahay, Peter Fitzgerald, John Neale, John Lilford and Mr Webster.

One of two ex-servicemen present at the replanting of the Lone Pine was Graeme James. Photo by Jemma Jones

Sam Birrell reflected on the meaning behind the Lone Pine to Australians, with other speakers Year 6 student Olivia Williams, Year 2 student Vitani Summers and P-2 teacher Ann Bell. Photo by Jemma Jones

A segment of the service called ‘Reflections’ saw students Year 6 student Olivia Williams, Year 2 student Vitani Summers, and P-2 teacher Ann Bell share their insights on the Lone Pine.

“These trees are a living memorial to their courage, strength and faith,” Ms Bell said.

“Where they stand in gardens, schools and memorials, people gather to remember, honour and believe under this small but special tree.

“We thank you for the honour of Girgarre’s very own new tree.”

In the height of election week, Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell made an appearance at the service to lay a wreath and share his reflections on sacrifice.

“I see a generation of people who have contributed so much to our community through their lives, and I see a generation of people on the mats (students) who are going to contribute so much to our community,” Mr Birrell said.

“What inspires us to contribute to our community — to make it a better place — is the inspiration... of the Anzacs in that they were prepared to sacrifice something for something bigger.”

The Lone Pine planting ceremony on Wednesday, April 30. Just like 26 years ago, Max Webster was invited back to plant the second Girgarre Primary Lone Pine. Photo by Jemma Jones

Mr Webster was then asked to come up and plant Girgarre’s second Lone Pine tree.

The first had begun to drop branches on to the school roof — so it was decided to plant another in a more suitable location.

Mr Webster expressed his hope that this new tree would grow to match its predecessor's stature in another quarter-century, continuing the legacy for future generations.

Each of the students were invited to place a handful of soil around the tree to participate in the planting, making their mark on what will become a historic landmark for decades to come.

“It was fantastic, all the kids planting (the tree). That’s the main thing, making sure the kids know what the reason is behind the tree,” he said.