Friends of Black Hill Reserve president Neil Huybregts is working to re-establish the tree that was planted at the corner of Chisholm Street and Sims Street in 1973.

A plaque signifying the significance of the tree, that was planted by the City of Ballarat mayor on May 8 1973 for World Red Cross Day, remains at the site.

A newspaper article from 1973 reveals it was called the 'Tee For Life' because Ballarat had been 'born' between the spot the tree was planted and Sovereign Hill.

"I was wandering about the park and noticed the plaque and thought, 'isn't it classic that we planted a tree for life and we didn't bother to check if it was still living'," Mr Huybregts said.

"It would have been about three years ago that I spotted it and I thought wouldn't it be good to replant it as a way to say 'we haven't all forgotten'."

Mr Huybregts said feedback from Ballarat residents on Facebook indicated most would prefer the planting of a native tree that was grown from local seed.

City of Ballarat and Mr Huybregts have worked to raise a number of trees, including eucalyptus obliqua and eucalyptus radiata, throughout the past three years and will select the best one to plant this May.

Mr Huybregts said he was working to discover what happened to the original tree and was hoping anyone with information or photos would get in touch.

The City of Ballarat's Engaged Communities team has supported the re-planting of the tree and other plantings in the area.

Friends of Black Hill Reserve has a positive vision for the future of the area and has been working to plant new trees and remove woody weeds.

Mr Huybregts said the re-planting of the 'Tree For Life' symbolised renewed life at Black Hill Reserve with mountain bike tracks and improved environment attracting a new group of users.

Residents have said the hill has become a place the community can use and appreciate, very different from its previous status as an 'industrial wasteland' from gold mining.

"The fact the closest point on the reserve is closer to the Town Hall than Lake Wendouree shows it is an inner city park. It has been treated as though it is just a waste area but I think that is changing," he said.

The Black Hill lookout carpark has also been upgraded in recent years and the City of Ballarat has completed track and trail improvements, new steps to the look out and environmental clean-up works.

The Black Hill Reserve masterplan includes other upgrades including new public toilets, bbq shelters, picnic facilities, fencing and signage.

Contact Neil Huybregts on 0418 979 892 or fobhr.info@gmail.com if you have information about the original 'Tree Of Life'.

You can follow Friends of Black Hill Reserve on Facebook to keep up to get involved.

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