Community members are invited to vote for the Himalayan Oak, located in the Bright Cemetery, for the Victorian Tree of the Year 2025.

The historic oak is one of nine significant trees shortlisted for the prestigious title, awarded by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).

The competition is decided exclusively by public vote as a way of encouraging conversations about the crucial place of trees in the Australian landscape.

Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, encouraged community members across Alpine Shire to vote for the Himalayan Oak, planted in the Bright Cemetery approximately 130 years ago.

"This rare and majestic tree is one of only nine known specimens of the Himalayan Oak in Victoria," she said.

"We are fortunate to have this tree stand over the Bright Cemetery as a beautiful and constant symbol of respect for those who have called this region home.

"As an evergreen, it also serves as a reminder of the fullness of life, which makes it worthy of its place as a finalist in the Victorian Tree of the Year Awards."

Each finalist is listed on the National Trust Significant Tree Register, which recognises trees of cultural, scientific, historic, and aesthetic value.

Voting is open now until midnight on Thursday, 23 October.

Community members can vote for the Himalayan Oak by visiting https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/treeoftheyear/

Bright Cemetery Trust secretary Marilyn Stephens has already been busy trying to enlist public support for the local landmark, calling on everyone at the Bright Probus club meeting to get their votes in.

"Our Himalayan Oak was a finalist back in 2020 and we came runner-up to an avenue of around 260 Elm trees, planted as a war memorial in Bacchus Marsh," she said.

"We got around 406 votes...we're a small community so we hope everyone gets behind us and votes."

Ms Stephens said the Bright Cemetery was gazetted in 1863 and the Himalayan Oak has been there for most of that time.

"It's a rare and quite large tree in the children's section of the cemetery...people often sit on the seats in its shade to reflect," she said.

"We have one chap who comes from outside the area to collects its acorns.

"It is quite a beautiful tree, but not looking its best at present as it's losing its leaves."