details

Statement of Significance

The rich, fertile soil, temperate climate and the interest of many of its citizens in things botanical, has resulted in theToowoomba region’s ability to grow a wide range of indigenous and non-indigenous plants. In 1860, the area was the first to hold an Agricultural Show in Queensland – 15 years before Brisbane. Walter Hill, the then Government Botanist and first curator of the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, travelled to Toowoomba to advise with the design and planning of Queen's Park and street plantings in Toowoomba. He subsequently imported many tree species from Europe, Asia and other parts of the world to be planted there. Hill Street in Toowoomba is named in his honour. The town attracts many visitors in September for its famous Carnival of Flowers, where people come from near and far to enjoy Toowoomba’s many parks and gardens.
The Mothers’ Memorial Gardens are within East Creek 2, an extended recreational corridor which adjoins Queens Park. The Gardens include a memorial which was built by mothers to honour their soldier sons who did not return from the First World War. The 'mothers' of Toowoomba raised money for the construction of the memorial, in part by selling bunches of Toowoomba Violets. The Memorial was located originally in Margaret Street but has been relocated. The tall column, topped by a globe and wreath, rises from a many-sided block carrying the names of service personnel from Toowoomba and surrounding areas. ANZAC Day commemorations are held in the East Creek Park near these trees. These Gallipoli Pines were planted on ANZAC Day 1987, by representatives of the 25th Royal Queensland Regiment.
The trees make a significant contribution to the landscape of this historic park. They have a contemporary association with the community, members of which hold ANZAC Day ceremonies in this area. They are associated with the 25th Royal Queensland Regiment and were planted by its representatives on ANZAC Day, 1987, to commemorate the soldiers of this Regiment who died in the many wars and battles in which this local army regiment has been involved.
The trees are located close to Burstow Street and almost opposite Stirling Street.