Historic Mosman tree linked to iconic Australian novelist scheduled for removal.

By ANNA USHER

A much-loved local tree, believed to have been grown and nurtured by an iconic Australian novelist, will be removed by Mosman Council later this week.

The mature Himalayan Cedar at 17 Warringah Rd, once the home of Seven Little Australians author Ethel Turner, is scheduled to be cut down after its slow demise over the past year.

Residents who live on the exclusive street and are “deeply connected” to Turner have told Mosman Collective they believe the 12-metre-high tree was poisoned.

“This was a fine tree which added significantly to the streetscape,” one man, who wishes to remain anonymous, said.

“To think that it is quite possibly the only original tree from her home and has been vandalised in the way, is heart breaking.”

An independent arborist’s report validates these concerns, indicating that the Cypress was poisoned, as evidenced by drill holes found at its base and its patchy foliage.

Not just a prolific writer, Ethel Turner by all accounts was also a keen gardener.

Along with her husband Herbert Curlewis and their two children Jean and Adrian, the family moved into “Avenel” on Warringah Rd in 1901.

The property featured extensive gardens and offered panoramic views over Chinamans Beach and Middle Harbour, providing a backdrop for Ethel’s writing and gardening endeavours.

A 1907 article in the Sydney Mail captures Turner’s garden-bound inspiration: “At her desk in serious working hours, when the call of the outdoor is persistent, and song of the thrush in the tree near the gate is a clarion cry to “come out and have a game in the garden”, Ethel Turner knows where to rest a moment.

“She likes to sit on the deep, low sill of the casement window and take time off – just five minutes to watch the butterflies flaunt gauzy wings over the blue of tall delphiniums.”

Despite the Arborist Report confirming drill holes at the base of the Himalayan Cedar and “patchy foliage indicating poisoning”, Mosman Council said it was not convinced.

“This is a private tree and has been approved for removal with a conditional replacement,” a Council spokesperson said.

“Council did not conclude that the tree was poisoned. Council allowed removal as the tree was in heavy decline.”

Ethel Turner continued residing at Avenel until her death in 1958. In 1970, the property was demolished to make way for a block of home units bearing the same name.