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Statement of Significance

The site of Brisbane City Botanic Gardens was selected as a public garden in 1828 by New South Wales Colonial Botanist Charles Fraser, three years after the establishment of the European settlement. Originally the garden was planted with food crops to feed the convicts. In 1855, a portion of the land was declared a 'botanic reserve' and Walter Hill was appointed as curator. The Queensland Heritage Register describes the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens as 'the most significant, non-aboriginal cultural landscape in Queensland having a continuous horticultural history since 1828, without any significant loss of land area or change in use over time.' It incorporates Brisbane's most mature gardens and features many rare and unusual species of plants. The seeds of these trees Turkish Pines were brought back by veteran soldiers visiting Lone Pine, the region of Gallipoli where Australian and New Zealand troops tried to open a second front in 1915 during the First World War. They were planted by the Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of Brisbane Alderman Frank Sleeman, in the presence of members of the Anzac Fountains Committee on 26 April 1979. Before Anzac Square was completed, Anzac Day ceremonies were held in the Gardens. Although two of the original trees have died, three young trees have been planted in their place.
ANZAC Day – 25 April – is one of Australia's most important national occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. Heavy losses of allied soldiers occurred at Gallipoli in 1915. The ANZAC legend which evolved following this became an important part of the identity of both nations, shaping the ways they viewed both their past and their future. These trees are of particular importance to the community, having a direct connection with Gallipoli and the ANZAC legend.
The trees are located in the eastern side of the gardens, near the entrance in George Street near Parliament House.