General News
5 October, 2023
Phillips Gardens tree planting honours local’s contributions
Aside from her involvement with the Timor West Landcare Group, Di was a passionate volunteer with the Maryborough Ambulance Auxiliary, Maryborough Fire Brigade, the Red Cross, school council, Guides, Maryborough Anglican Church and the Maryborough...
In a touching service on Tuesday, dozens of residents and family members attended a tree planting in Phillips Gardens in memory of the late Dianne Mullins — a resident remembered for championing the community and touching the lives of countless residents.
It might have been a wet and drizzly day but the same can’t be said of the late Di, who was remembered by all at Tuesday’s service as someone who, despite the weather, would have a “smile a mile wide”.
Di sadly passed away in September last year after a cancer diagnosis, and a plaque and lemon-scented gum donated by the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) have now been placed in Phillips Gardens in Di’s memory, recognising her decades of contribution to Landcare.
Named a Central Goldfields Shire Citizen of the Year in 2018, Di was a teacher for over 30 years at local schools but outside of work, was passionate about creating a better local community.
Aside from her involvement with the Timor West Landcare Group, Di was a passionate volunteer with the Maryborough Ambulance Auxiliary, Maryborough Fire Brigade, the Red Cross, school council, Guides, Maryborough Anglican Church and the Maryborough and District Garden Club.
Speaking at the memorial planting on Tuesday, her husband Dan said it was fitting the tree was planted for the whole community to enjoy.
“I can’t think of a better place for a memorial tree for Dianne,” he said.
“I must thank the Central Goldfields Shire Council for allowing this to even happen, I can’t thank them enough and everyone here (at the planting) had a personal involvement with Dianne and I can’t thank them enough for coming.
“Dianne would be so proud to have this tree planted here in this garden, where I know it will be looked after — this means the world to us.”
North Central CMA project manager Phil Dyson said this was the first time the authority had donated a tree like this, which reflected the unique impact Di had in the community.
“I came to think of Di as one of the elders of the tribe, she was one of the people you could come to in the community to get things done and to make things happen,” he said.
“This isn’t something the CMA does every day, it’s unique and this is the only time we’ve done it — it honours the contribution Dianne made.”
Maryborough Ambulance Auxiliary president Sandra Field said Di took to Landcare as she did with everything else — head strong and full of passion.
“We know Di was a long time Landcare volunteer, supporter and coordinator of the Timor West Landcare Group,” she said.
“Di’s interest, support and knowledge of Landcare spread over the state — she was an amazing Landcare encourager and her knowledge was amazing.
“Dianne loved nothing better than having children come and learn about landcare, potting up and getting their hands in the soil.
“May this tree grow tall and strong, and all who pass by this tree stop and read the plaque.
“Just as Dianne blessed us with her presence, may this tree bless all who come around it.”
