As our picture shows, there are some magnificent varieties out in full-bloom at the moment.

We captured this group of children in front of the beautiful tree outside the home of Pam and Josh Parkin in Jubilee Street.

History shows that September 1 was the date chosen by earlier generations to be an occasion ‘primarily to inspire and stimulate an Australian national sentiment.

It was felt this could be accomplished by embracing such sentiment in a native flower and uniting as a people on the day to do it honour.

With Wattle trees scattered throughout the length and breadth of the continent, it was selected as the most suitable of the native flora because of its accessibility.

In addition, it was desired that the Wattle blossom, as the Australian national flower, should be worn, and its cultivation and display encouraged.

The call was also made to ‘all citizens to foster, protect and cherish the Wattle; for a sacred charge to every Australian to plant it in all parks, reserves, and pleasure grounds and also private gardens, that it might become a source of pilgrimage in blossom time. 

‘Also to rouse the young people’s sense of chivalry, and make the Wattle synonymous with Australia’s honour.’

Wattle Day was first celebrated in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney in 1910 – promoted by the citizens who had formed the Wattle Day League.

The Sydney Morning Herald editorial at the time stated `To the native Australian the wattle stands for home, country, kindred, sunshine and love – every instinct that the heart deeply enshrines.’