City of Port Lincoln, Media Release, 2 September 2025
On Monday, 8 September at 11.30am, a special ceremony will be held at the Port Lincoln War Memorial in Eyre Park to plant a Fig Tree of Tobruk—a living symbol of remembrance and resilience that not only honours the legacy of Australian soldiers who served in the Siege of Tobruk during World War II, but also commemorates the enduring significance of the tree itself, which once offered shelter and solace to troops in the harsh desert conditions of Libya.
This tree is no ordinary planting, it is a descendant of the original Tobruk Fig Tree, a lone tree that once stood near a network of caves, that were used as a field hospital by Australian troops. Known as the Fig Tree Hospital, this site became a place of refuge and resilience during one of the war’s most gruelling campaigns. After the war, a soldier brought a cutting from the original tree back to Melbourne, where it was planted at the Shrine of Remembrance. From that single act of remembrance, Fig Trees of Tobruk have since been propagated and planted across Australia as living memorials, and now, it is Port Lincoln’s turn to continue this tradition.
The planting will be led by Tim Cook, whose dedication to preserving the memory of the Rats of Tobruk has been instrumental in bringing this tree to Port Lincoln. Tim, proudly supported by his mother Julie Cook, will share his personal journey and the significance of the tree during this special event. RSL President Gary Clough and local descendants of the Rats of Tobruk will also take part in the tribute.
Mayor Diana Mislov said, “This is more than a tree, it’s a powerful symbol of remembrance and resilience. It honours not only the legacy of the Rats of Tobruk, but also the humble Fig Tree of Tobruk that stood with them through it all.”
“We are privileged to host this ceremony and welcome all to share in this moment of reflection and respect.”
A commemorative plaque will be installed, with its unveiling planned for October. The exact date will be announced closer to the event.
Following the planting, the Port Lincoln RSL warmly invites the community to gather at the RSL Hall to hear reflections and stories from Tim Cook and local descendants of the Rats of Tobruk.
