NSW Governor Marie Bashir plants a tree on last vice-regal visit to Parramatta

EVEN  Monday’s wintry blast could not diminish the warmth that outgoing NSW Governor Dame Marie Bashir has for Parramatta.

NSW Governor Marie Bashir plants tree at Hambledon Cottage

EVEN  Monday’s wintry blast could not diminish the warmth that outgoing NSW Governor Dame Marie Bashir has for Parramatta.

Dame Bashir added to the history of Hambledon Cottage by planting an English oak tree seedling, propagated from a giant oak planted by John Macarthur in 1817.

The tree will grow amid a grove of English oaks, a Spanish cork and a bunya pine, whose fruit provided food for Aborigines well before European settlement.

Dame Bashir, patron of the Parramatta Historical Society, recalled how her first medical appointment was at Parramatta Hospital and said she retained an interest in the area ever since.

“Parramatta is dear to my heart,” Dame Bashir said.

“The oak tree represents strength and longevity, so it is appropriate that this is being planted in the grounds of Hambledon Cottage.”

Lord Mayor John Chedid said Parramatta had “a rich and strong heritage”, which formed the foundation of the nation.

He complimented Parramatta Historical Society for the work it had done in promoting local history among young people.

Hambledon Cottage was built by Macarthur in 1824.

The tree-planting ceremony was Dame Bashir’s last vice-regal visit to Parramatta before she steps down as governor in September.