Tree of Knowledge poisoned!

National Heritage Values for Tree of Knowledge

1. the place has outstanding heritage value to the nation because of the place's importance in the course, or pattern, of Australia's natural or cultural history

The Tree of Knowledge, a specimen Eucalyptus papuana, located in the centre of Barcaldine, is important to the nation as the scene of political and social events, which had a profound effect on the future of labour and politics in Australia. Shearers and other workers used the Tree of Knowledge as a meeting place during the prolonged strikes of 1890-1. The Shearers Strike of 1891 is acknowledged as a significant event in Trade Union History in Australia. The impact of the event on the nation is well recorded, with strong supporting documentation, and is central to an important national story.

The Tree of Knowledge is important to the nation as the scene of actions and decisions, which had a profound effect on the future of labour and politics in Australia. The 6 May 1891 marked the culmination of the Shearers Strike at Barcaldine, when the colonial administration ordered the arrest of the shearer's leaders on charges of sedition and conspiracy. The Shearers Strike is acknowledged as the starting point of political and social processes, which led to the election of the first Labour representative to government anywhere in the world, and to the eventual formation of the Australian Labor Party.

7. the place has outstanding heritage value to the nation because of the place's strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons

The Tree of Knowledge is significant to the nation, in particular the Trade Union Movement because of the place's special association with the Shearers Strike of 1891. The Australian Shearers Union merged with the General Labourer's Union in 1894 to form the Australian Workers Union, which affiliated with the Australian Council of Trade Unions in 1966. Labour Day in Queensland is celebrated annually in the first week in May, coinciding with the march of shearers and bush workers on 1 May 1891, May Day, during the Shearers Strike.