Qld thumbs up to union icon

Date: 11 June 2009

The people of Queensland have spoken and the historical significance of the Tree of Knowledge has been assured.

" Queenslanders have selected the Tree of Knowledge at Barcaldine to be among the top 10 locations that put the State on the map," Bill Ludwig AWU National President and Queensland AWU Secretary said.

Celebrating Qld icons

In Queensland's 150th year, the State Government decided to celebrate the people, places and stories that define the state by asking locals to nominate their top 150 state icons.

" All Queenslanders had the opportunity to vote for their favourite icons from a short-list of 300 - and the Tree of Knowledge was a popular vote.

Tree of Knowledge plays important role in AWU history

" The AWU campaigned hard to get our people to vote for the famous Ghost Gum tree - and we're proud of this result because the Tree of Knowledge has played an important role in the history of the Australian Workers Union," Bill Ludwig said.

" The Ghost Gum tree was a gathering point for shearers during the 1891 strikes to the labour movement and the foundation of the Australian Labor Party.

" The fact is Queenslanders understand the importance of those events and the Tree.

Barcaldine centre explains importance of the Ghost Gum

" Despite the loss of the Tree, it remains an important symbol for the ongoing efforts to improve and protect the rights and conditions for Australian workers and their families.

" The recently opened interpretive centre at Barcaldine acknowledges this and I encourage Queenslanders to visit it in this our 150th year," Bill Ludwig said.

For further information

Contact:	Bill Ludwig
Union:	AWU
WWW:	http://www.awu.net.au/

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