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National Rose Garden of Australia

January 2001 - Establishing the Garden at historic Woolmers Estate, Longford.

Mr Peter Watt as the Chairman of the National Rose Garden of Australia committee approached Mr Ian Fawkner, State Manager of Business & Employment Community Solutions, seeking assistance in establishing a rose garden within the confines of the historic Woolmers Estate at Longford.  Australian Government assistance, through the Work for the Dole Program, funded a team of local job seekers and work began within a bare paddock adjoining the historic Archer residence within the Estate.

January 2002 - Work commences at the Longford estate.

Work on the National Rose Garden of Australia progressed extremely well through 2002-2003 with many plantings and the erection of rose arbors and walkways.  The once bare paddock was very rapidly becoming a major tourism attraction with the head gardener now appointed.  Mr Ross Turner was one of the original Work for the Dole participants, now formally appointed as the Head Gardener he takes control of the ongoing work teams as they extend the garden.

June 2003 - A permanent legacy is created.

As successive Work for the Dole teams completed their work experience within the National Rose Garden of Australia a permanent legacy was being constructed for the future pleasure of rose enthusiasts.  During June 2003 the workers within the garden were acknowledged by receiving a Highly Commended accolade from the Prime Minister's Annual Awards in Canberra.  This award stands as a testament to the contribution made by all participants to the establishment of this growing tourist attraction since the 'turning of the first sod' back in January 2001.  This year also saw construction of two magnificent water features within the rapidly growing garden.

January 2005 - National Rose Garden becomes a world class feature.

Ongoing Work for the Dole activities, with jobseekers transported by Business & Employment Launceston, forged ahead during 2004 and 2005.  The transformation within the garden was rapidly becoming a major focus with groups of national and international horticultural interest tourists keen to view the progress.  The National Rose Garden of Australia at Woolmers is now rapidly becoming a world class feature within the classic rose garden genre.  With additional structures and increased plantings throughout this year the future looks extremely well, with continued garden visitation growth forecast well into the future.