The Remarkable Story of the Helena: Australia’s First International Agriculture Winner.
Nestled in Moreton Bay, off the coast of Brisbane, lies the historic St Helena Island, a place with a remarkable and somewhat surprising story behind it. While it is now a heritage National Park, this island once served as a high-security penal settlement. Established in May 1867, the St Helena Penal Establishment housed long-term inmates who were forced to grow their own food and produce goods for the settlement. It was here that the first commercial grove of olive trees in Australia was planted, and where Australia’s first international agricultural award was won for its locally grown olive oil!
The Early Beginnings on St Helena Island
In the early 1900s, prisoners on St Helena Island were not only involved in the hard labour of maintaining the settlement but were also tasked with creating a sustainable and self-sufficient economy. Olive trees were among the crops that thrived in this unforgiving environment, and surprisingly, the olives they produced became one of the island’s most sought-after products. Olive oil from St Helena Island was not only consumed locally but was also exported directly to Italy, a country famous for its olive oil production. This early success in olive oil production marked a significant achievement for the settlement, which was run largely as a self-funded venture.
The Helena Olive Tree
Perhaps the most significant legacy of St Helena Island is the Helena Olive tree, which was first cultivated in the late 1800s. This tree, a variety believed to be similar to the Frantoio, is an essential part of Australian olive history. It is said that the Helena Olive variety won Australia's first international agricultural award, a monumental achievement that laid the foundation for Australia’s growing olive industry.
Today, this remarkable tree still thrives on the island, with its fruit producing high-quality, award-winning olive oil. The Helena Olive, now a third-generation heritage tree, has endured the test of time, thriving in the challenging Moreton Bay climate. It continues to provide exceptional fruit, proving itself as a true survivor and symbol of the resilience of both the land and the people who worked on it.
A Rediscovered Treasure
In 2013, a stunning discovery linked to St Helena Island was made when a local Brisbane resident, Trisha Anderson, uncovered a rare watercolour painting hidden in her grandfather’s wardrobe. The painting, created by inmate Charles Winn in 1878, is the only known depiction of St Helena Island, adding yet another layer to the island’s fascinating history. The painting was later donated to the Museum of Brisbane, where it has been hailed as one of the most exciting finds in recent years by local historians.
The Helena Olive Today
Now, the Helena Olive has evolved into a popular cultivar known as the “St Helena” olive. In recent years, these trees have gained a reputation for their ability to thrive in the Southeast Queensland climate, making them a sought-after choice for gardeners. The resilience and beauty of the St Helena olive tree have made it a beloved plant for backyard gardens, patios, and public spaces alike.
If you are lucky enough to grow a St Helena olive tree, you are not only planting a beautiful tree but also adding a piece of Queensland history to your garden.
