Tree-planting ceremony celebrates 70-year reign of late Queen Elizabeth II at Geraldton Anglican Cathedral

A tree planting ceremony was held at Geraldton’s Anglican Cathedral on Sunday to honour the late Queen Elizabeth II and her unprecedented 70-year reign.

Two commemorative trees were planted on the cathedral grounds following a garden party to mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee.

More than 130 people gathered for the ceremony, which comes almost two months after the monarch’s death and five months after the platinum jubilee celebrations in the UK.

Geraldton Grammar School’s 2023 school captains and hub captains attended, as well as Geraldton Christian College, Lara Dalton MLA, Girl Guides Geraldton, naval cadets and army cadets.

Allan and Glenys Hetherington selected and propagated the trees.

Geraldton Anglican Cathedral the Rev. Dean of Geraldton Lachlan Edwards said plaques were placed at each tree commemorating the event, with bible readings, quotes from the Queen and prayers said during the service.

“Lara Dalton ceremonially shovelled some dirt into the hole, followed by representatives from each of the youth groups,” he said.

The Rev. Edwards said guests had photo opportunities shovelling holes with dirt and enjoyed a catered morning tea.

“Both trees are pin oak, an English oak in reflection of the Queen’s heritage,” he said.

The ceremony was a part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Tree Planting program around the Commonwealth, sponsored by the Federal Government.