NameRussell East Park TypePark/ReserveFloraGeolocation[1] AddressEastern Avenue,ShellharbourDescriptionThis grand fig tree is arguably the largest in Shellharbour City. It is home to countless species of birds, insects and flying fox who feed off the fruit. The massive tree in this park is a major landmark, visible from the sea and the escarpment.
Fig trees were planted extensively in the mid to late 19th century. They were used in commemorative plantings, and prominent places such as schools and parks. Settlers and farmers knew the advances of fig trees which provided shade for dairy herds and the family home.
The park is named for James Russell East (Russell), the eldest son of James and Eliza East of Bush Bank Kiama. When Russell was a young boy, the family moved to Seaview farm on Shipman’s Hill (now Flinders). He married Annie Wenham in 1903 and took up farming at Dunmore, before retiring to Shellharbour Village.
Russell was known for his contribution to local government, serving on Shellharbour Municipal Council for 19 years. He was Mayor during the war years from 1938-1945.
