CUSACK RUSSELL'S POSTAL TREE
Road Reserve, Intersection of Condah-Coleraine Road and Paschendale-Tahara Road TAHARA, GLENELG SHIRE
Statement of Significance
What is Significant?
The large remnant Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gum) known as Dr. Cusack Russell's Tree is located at Tahara Bridge on the Road Reserve abutting the Paschendale - Tahara Road and the Condah - Coleraine Road. It was used from 1849 as a depot for messages left for Rev. Russell who was the first Anglican Minister in the Wannon District. The tree is also known as the 'Post Office Tree'. Russell was responsible for the establishment of churches at: Branxholme, Casterton, Coleraine, Digby, Gum Creek (moved to Henty and now demolished), Merino, and very likely Sandford. He also established several early schools. He lived at a parsonage on the banks of the Wannon built for him by his patron, Samuel Pratt Winter (1816-1878) of Murndal in 1851 but, apparently, the tree continued to be used for leaving messages. Russell was an important representative of the Anglo-Irish Ascendency in the Western District, an influential social and cultural group led by S.P. Winter. Russell was also important for his association with Dr Peter Teulon Beamish, the first Anglican minister of Warrnambool. They had arrived in NSW together and, because of difficulties with the Archbishop of Australia, were sent to the furthest parishes possible. Rev. Cusack Russell died at sea in 1876 after which time the tree was no longer used. Its centre is burnt out and it is in poor condition, with the loss of a major limb.
How is it Significant?
Dr. Cusack Russell's Tree is of historical significance to the Glenelg Shire.
Why is it Significant?
Dr. Cusack Russell's Tree is of historical significance for its association with one of the most influential, well respected and much loved clergymen in the Western District; and for demonstrating a practical solution to the difficulty of early rural communication.
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ST PETERS ANGLICAN CHURCH
Victorian Heritage Register H1912 -
St Peter's Anglican Church
National Trust -
St Peters Anglican Church
Glenelg Shire H1912
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