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Memorial Grove Planted at Timbertop
Tuesday, 4 June 2024
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A grove of significant tree species was planted on May 23-26 to commemorate two students, Graeme Vanner (D Unit 1960) and Tim Collins (G Unit 1996), who died during their Timbertop year. The memorial grove was an initiative of Russell Luckock (M’63), Stephen Finlay (P’63) and David Angliss (P’64), enthusiastically supported by the current Head of Timbertop, Ross Hopkins. Russell, Stephen and David wanted to honour their former classmate and friend, Graeme Vanner, who joined GGS in 1959 (in Geelong House) and tragically drowned at Timbertop in 1960. They decided the grove should also recognise Tim Collins, who collapsed and died from a congenital heart condition while on the six-day hike in 1996. Russell, Stephen and David were thrilled to be joined on site by Tim’s mother, Este, and sister, Anna Gourlay (Collins, Cl’03), after the tree seedlings had been planted.  The specially-selected tree seedlings and design of the grove was the result of months of planning and discussion with expert horticulturists Elizabeth Gilfillan and John Hawker, whilst the founder of the Digger’s Club, Clive Blazey AM (P'62), provided advice and donated the 12 seedlings – five Wollemia nobilis (one of the world’s oldest and rarest trees, discovered in the Wollemi National Park in 1994), four Nothofagus cunninghamii (one of three Nothofagus species native to Australia) and three Quercus canariensis (commonly known as the Algerian Oak). The tree seedlings were carefully planted to retain water (each with its own gravity-fed water supply) and then double tree-guarded. Russell compiled a report, complete with photos, on the project Russell, Stephen and David also gave a presentation to students about the project, sharing stories about their time at Timbertop in 1960; the memories created and the friendships made. “All these years later, they remain friends and proudly remember the transformational impact Timbertop had on them in their formative years,” Ross said. “I used this moment of community reflection to emphasise to current students the unique and special opportunity that has been afforded them, and to underscore that it is a privilege for us all to have the chance to experience the rare educational opportunity that is Timbertop.” Thank you Russell, Stephen and David. |