A hoop pine is a strong, sturdy, resilient tree so it was fitting rugby league great and autism advocate Ricky Stuart has planted one of them at the National Arboretum Canberra.
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The Canberra Raiders legend, former player and now head coach was just the 12th person chosen to plant a tree in the Australian Hero section of the arboretum.
This section recognises "professionals and individuals who have distinguished themselves in their field of endeavour, and significantly contributed to Australian society".
Stuart was asked to plant a hoop pine, an adaptable, hardy tree that can live for as long as 450 years and grow 60 metres high.
Stuart, humble as ever, said he was "uncomfortable" to be thought of as an Australian hero but he was nevertheless extremely honoured to be recognised by the tree planting on Thursday.
"I don't really believe that," he said, of being an Australian hero.
"But, being a local boy and having that honour makes it even more special. I was quite taken aback."
City Services Minister Chris Steel said he could not think "of a more deserving person to receive an Australian Hero tree dedication and acknowledgement" at the arboretum.
Stuart was recognised for his success in rugby league, from the Queanbeyan Whites to the Raiders to the Kangaroos, and his dedication to supporting and raising funds for people with autism, and their families, through the Ricky Stuart Foundation.
Mr Steel said Stuart's long and successful sports career was recognised by the both rugby and NRL leagues, with many career highlights; including playing more 200 games for the Canberra Raiders including three premierships and also representing NSW 14 times and Australia in nine test matches.
Stuart began his sporting career playing at St Edmund's College and with the Queanbeyan Whites, when he was selected for a Wallabies tour of Argentina in 1987.
He has always been passionate about his family and helping others, especially after his daughter Emma was diagnosed with autism at the age of 11 years.
Mr Steel said that had inspired Stuart to set up the Ricky Stuart Foundation in 2011, which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and garnered community assistance to help promote early autism diagnosis and support for children and their families, many who struggled daily with autism and other disabilities.
"On behalf of the ACT Government, I would like to congratulate Ricky Stuart on his significant international and national sporting achievements spanning many decades. I would also like to recognise his skills and passion regarding advocating for people with autism and their families," Mr Steel said, at Thursday's ceremony.
"Ricky's community commitment is continuing to help improve the quality of lives of people touched by autism.
"Ricky - you are an inspiration to all, and I sincerely hope your sporting and advocacy achievements motivates many more Australians to follow in your footsteps."
Stuart was happy to celebrate "a special day" with his family and to know the tree would be around for some time.
"A few generations of Stuarts are going to see the end product," he said.
