The annual commemoration of children born in the Shire of Kalamunda is held each winter. Births are commemorated by the planting of a tree creating a living memory, growing along with the child.

Residents who have had a baby between February 2008 and April 2009 will plant a special tree to mark the birth of their baby. It was in 1988, our Bicentennial year that the Shire of Kalamunda decided to add to its forest and mark its new residents by planting a tree for each baby born that year. The babies of the first plantings now being teenagers and the planted saplings now mature trees.

 “As well as a living reminder for parents, grandparents and children, the tree planting was another way of greening the Shire. Each winter families are invited to a short ceremony to plant a tree, marked with a plaque to welcome their child and we usually find the wider family joining Mum and Dad. Parents and grandparents like to visit their child’s special tree and as the children grow they can measure themselves against their tree” said Shire of Kalamunda Chief Executive David Vaughan.

Each tree is marked with a plaque to welcome the child, recording the name and an inscription from the family. Mums, Dads, Grandparents and other family members come together to attend the ceremonies.

The ceremonies include a welcome from the Executive Manager of Community Services, an address by the Shire President Cr Donald McKechnie, the collection of plaques and trees for planting, followed by the planting of trees by families.

Application forms can be obtained from the Shire Administration Building, Libraries, Kalamunda Hospital and Child Health Centres or by downloading the form. Applications close 1 May 2010.