Mosman locals are about to lose a piece of their suburb’s history. The Himalayan Cedar at 17 Warringah Road, a tree tied to beloved Australian author Ethel Turner, is scheduled for removal, raising questions about heritage preservation in the community.
A Piece of Mosman’s Literary History Faces the Axe
A century-old Himalayan Cedar in Mosman, once part of the home and garden of Ethel Turner, the celebrated Australian author of Seven Little Australians, is set to be removed.
The tree, which is at 17 Warringah Road, is believed to have been planted during Turner’s stay on the property, which she lived for over five decades. It was a handsome and tall feature, but recently decayed at an extremely fast pace, necessitating its intended destruction.
A Declining Icon in a Historic Suburb
The Mosman Council confirmed that the tree has suffered significant decline, citing a recent arborist report that noted extensive damage to its roots and trunk. The assessment also raised concerns about possible poisoning, pointing to drill holes found near the base.
However, council officials have not formally determined foul play, attributing the removal decision to safety concerns. Turner’s home, Avenel, was a well-known fixture in Mosman’s history.
During 1901 until her death in 1958, Turner lived in the house, tending its gardens and finding inspiration for her paintings. The house itself was demolished in 1970 to be followed by apartments, but remnants of its past have remained, like the Himalayan Cedar.
Community Reaction and Preservation Concerns
News of the tree’s removal has sparked concern among Mosman residents and literary enthusiasts. Others see it as another loss of historical identity in a suburb already undergoing swift change. While there has been discussion of saving or memorializing the property, no plans have been formally set.
Local historians and residents have been shocked that more was not undertaken to save what they see as a living connection with one of Australia’s favourite authors. Turner’s Seven Little Australians remains part of the country’s literary heritage, and some locals think that the suburb should be doing more to commemorate that legacy.
As the demolition date draws closer, Mosman residents are left to wonder at the new form of their community and the challenge of striking a balance between heritage preservation and city growth.
Published 13-March-2025
