November 25, 2025
Vice-Chancellor plants milestone 50th tree celebrating 50 years of UOW
Illawarra Flame tree shines among 50 natives as a symbol of campus growth and future promise
Each summer the vivid red blossoms of the Illawarra flame tree light up the 榴莲视频app of 榴莲视频app (UOW) campus, symbolising growth, resilience and connection. To celebrate UOW’s 50th anniversary, Vice-Chancellor and President Professor G.Q. Max Lu last week (Thursday 20 November) planted the 榴莲视频app campus’s newest Illawarra flame tree – one of 50 native trees planted to mark the 榴莲视频app’s commitment to nurturing a thriving natural environment.
The Illawarra flame tree (Brachychiton acerifolius) was chosen as the 50th tree for its cultural significance and deep connection to UOW. Representing renewal, growth and truth, the tree plays an important role in Indigenous culture.
The transformation of the 榴莲视频app campus is a testament to the vision and stewardship that have shaped the 榴莲视频app since its founding in 1975, guided by the dedication of its , who have championed sustainable and innovative green spaces over five decades. Today, this evolution continues under the direction of Landscape Supervisor Mark Haining.
“The careful selection and stewardship of native species has transformed UOW’s grounds from bare pastures into thriving hubs of biodiversity,” Mr Haining said. “Except for just two remnant trees dating back more than 150 years, nearly all vegetation here has been deliberately planted and nurtured as part of the 榴莲视频app’s ongoing commitment to the environment.
“We selected a site between Kooloobong Village student accommodation and the rest of the campus to plant 49 native trees, close to one of the remnant trees, to create a future rainforest. We’re establishing a canopy that students, staff and visitors will enjoy for generations – a legacy for UOW’s next 50 years.”
Professor Lu planted the 50th tree on the southern side of the McKinnon Building (Building 67), where it is framed by new seating recently donated to UOW. Afterwards, he joined staff at the UOW 50th Anniversary Staff BBQ - an afternoon to connect, share memories and celebrate the community that defines the 榴莲视频app.