Published on 28 October 2025
A Tobruk Fig Tree has been planted in the Botanic Park, serving as a living memorial to the resilience of Australian soldiers during World War II. The new tree is a cutting propagated from the fig tree at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance, which itself was grown from a cutting of the original tree in Tobruk.
The tree was generously donated to the community by local residents (retired) Major Bruce Bingham and his wife Marlene Bingham. Major Bingham has a direct family connection to the siege, as his father served as a sergeant in the 2/13 Field Company of the Royal Australian Engineers in Tobruk. Also in attendance was Jude Ridley, whose father, Corporal Max Rogers, served with the 18th brigade in the seventh division during the conflict.
The tree was planted by Council’s Parks and Gardens team on 14 October 2025 in a ceremony attended by the Mayor, Councillors, Council officers and RSL branch members. The fig tree joins the Lone Pine, donated by the RSL in 2023, to form the foundation of a growing space of remembrance within the park.
Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said the donation was a profound gift that would allow the community to connect with an important part of Australian history.
“Council is incredibly grateful to Bruce and Marlene Bingham for this significant donation. This tree is more than just a plant, its direct lineage from the original Tobruk fig tree provides a living link to the courage and endurance shown by our soldiers at Tobruk,” said Cr Rabie.
“This is what community is all about. The contributions of Bruce and Marlene and the local RSL are what makes this community such an incredible place to live. Through these offerings, we connect to each other and to our shared history.”
The original fig tree in Tobruk, Libya, stood near a series of underground caves used by the Australian 9th Division as a makeshift field hospital during the gruelling siege that lasted over 240 days in 1941.
The soldiers who withstood the Axis forces became famously known as the ‘Rats of Tobruk’, a name initially used as propaganda against them which they adopted with pride. For them, the tree became a powerful symbol of hope and endurance.
“By creating this place of remembrance, we are ensuring our Botanic Park offers a quiet, respectful space where the community can reflect on the service of our veterans for generations to come,” said Cr Rabie.
Council will arrange for a plaque to be installed to share the story of this special tree and its connection to the Rats of Tobruk with all who visit.