This is the text of Gough Whitlam’s speech at Toongabbie Public School on the Centenary of Arbor Day.
The first Toongabbie School was opened in April 1888, the second, in brick, in August 1890.
The first Arbor Day in New South Wales was held in 1890 at this school.
In 1891 the Education Department proclaimed 21 August as the official Arbor Day for all schools
I was surprised and pleased to be asked to the centenary celebration.
From 1955 to 1969 I represented the Toongabbie district in the House of Representatives.
As the school was a polling booth I visited it on seven polling days in my 14 years as candidate and member.