Local author, Maria Hitchcock, is celebrating the publication of her latest book, ‘A Celebration of Wattle’ which will be launched at the Australian National Botanic Gardens on National Wattle Day, September 1, by the Honourable Peter Garrett Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth, who wrote the Foreword in the book. The launch will also feature the Sing Australia Choir and is to be one of the premier events to celebrate National Wattle Day in Canberra.
The book is a revised edition of Maria’s earlier book, ‘Wattle’ (AGPS 1991) which has become a collector’s item and has been featured in exhibitions of Wattle memorabilia.
“The revised edition expands on the earlier book and adds much new material,” said Maria.
“New chapters include Wattle Day memories contributed by Australians all over the continent, including several locals.
“There is another chapter which includes a wealth of suggestions for schools and the community to help them celebrate future Wattle Days.
“Additional Wattle poems have been added to the anthology and special sections have been inserted outlining a brief history of the Wattle Day Association and an amazing story of the Hiroshima connection, an explanation of the botanical battle for Australia’s retention of the name Acacia and a detailed summary of the debate about wattle and allergies.”
The new book is beautifully illustrated throughout, with almost 200 photographs and watercolours of wattles as well as many archival photos. The 304-page book will retail for $29.95 and should be available through all major bookshops from early September.
