History of the Fig Tree

The fig tree (ficus carica) is significant in size and may be up to 70 years of age. 

Locals claim that the nearby and broader community visit the tree annually to pick fruit[1], which is abundant during summer. 

The fig tree may have been part of Sunnyside Farm. Sunnyside Farm was owned and farmed by a number of non-English immigrants, including the Stelis, Gerovich and Ricci families. The farm house and outbuildings at different times housed many new immigrants, working as farm labourers, while seeking Australian residency. The farm was noted as a significant wine-producing property, but also grew and marketed other produce. 

To find out about how and why trees are included within the City's Heritage Inventory, click here.

The City’s Heritage Inventory is a register of heritage places of cultural significance, and also includes a list of ‘Significant Trees’.

The Heritage Inventory records places that represent significant cultural values due to their age or value to the Cockburn community.

If the tree is included within the inventory, it cannot be removed unless a development application is lodged with the City of Cockburn. In this instance, however, the tree is located within a regional road reservation, and may be exempt from requiring development approval to remove it should the road be required. The inventory keeps record of places and trees (regardless of demolition or removal).