AN historically significant site that has for decades gone largely unrecognised is set to receive a facelift later this month as the Tweed prepares to mark the 150th anniversary of European settlement in the region.

Bluey Hill Park at North Tumbulgum will be the focus of a tree planting activity on July 31 as the community gears up to celebrate the milestone.

Tumbulgum Community Association spokesman Robert Budd said the first Europeans to settle the Tweed arrived in 1866 and the first village in the region was established where the Tweed and Rous rivers meet.

“The park is the original location of the first village on the Tweed,” he said.

“There is precious little there now but it is an historically significant location.”

Mr Budd said Tweed Junction was a thriving centre, home to a general store, slipway, docks, tavern, post office and blacksmith.

Tweed Junction was eventually renamed Tumbulgum and while any evidence of the original settlement is long gone, Mr Budd said it was important to recognise the original site.

Mr Budd said Tweed Shire Council had provided funds that will be used to establish a stone monument in the park and a plaque will be installed to highlight the significance of the site.

Mr Budd said the monument would be unveiled as part of a major community celebration planned for November 12. The tree planting event is the first in a series of events that will be staged in the lead-up to the unveiling.

The tree planting activity will coincide with National Tree Day and will be held at the Bluey Hill Park on Dulguigan Rd from 10am on Sunday, July 31. Those interested in taking part should contact Robert Budd on (02)66766521.