11/7/99
An enduring symbol of the State’s commitment to its seniors, a new type of rose, has been named at a special ceremony by Seniors Minister Rhonda Parker today.
The rose, which was specially developed for the 1999 International Year of Older Persons, was officially named ‘Glorious Heritage’ following a state-wide competition to find a name.
The new name had to reflect the theme of the international year, “A Western Australia for all Ages”.
More than 1,700 entries were received in the competition which is part of the State Government’s program to celebrate the international year.
Mrs Parker presented the winner of the competition, 79-year-old Mrs Florence Glasgow of North Beach, with prizes from the competition sponsors, Grobrite Nurseries and GIO Insurance.
“The judges selected the name Glorious Heritage because it summed up the enormous contribution seniors have made to developing our community and the wealth of knowledge and experience they have to offer all areas of society,” Mrs Parker said.
“It was difficult to find a name that had not already been registered as the popularity of the rose over the centuries means more than 13,000 names have already been registered.”
The rose is deep-pink, with bluish tints and a yellow throat. It was specially developed by retired cardio-thoracic surgeon Dr Peter Gibson at his cut-flower farm in Nowergup for the International Year of Older Persons.
Dr Gibson developed the rose by cross pollinating a Queen Elizabeth seedling with a bush called Julia’s Rose.
The Glorious Heritage rose can be purchased from October for $20 through GroBrite Nurseries.
Royalties from the rose will go towards the Centre for Positive Ageing which will be established later this year to research issues of ageing in co-operation with the state’s universities.
Photographs of the rose and the presentation can be obtained by contacting Claudia Oakley from the Office of Seniors Interests on 9220 1145.
Media contact: Owen Cole 9481 7810
