New chapter for avenues’ stories

TWO community avenues of honour that recognise local servicepeople are set to be restored by the City of Ballarat.

A State grant worth $15,000 from the Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour program will support works on the Tourello and Ballarat East avenues in the coming months, delivered by City staff with Ballarat Lions Club and the Brown Hill Progress Association volunteers.

On Melbourne Road, Ballarat East, 72 trees will be planted in the location of the original avenue as it was before the freeway was built, and new, clear signage will be installed.

At the Tourello Avenue of Honour, north of Miners Rest and Ascot, ground works will be undertaken, and 15 English walnut trees will be replaced.

A City of Ballarat spokesperson, Cr Samantha McIntosh, said the works will preserve “integral” local history for generations to come.

“With the support of this grant and some people power it’s pleasing to see our continued enhancement of avenues of honour throughout Ballarat,” she said.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison was proud to commemorate the war heroes of these communities.

“These smaller, more local avenues are an important reminder that the many soldiers who didn’t come home after World War One lived in our streets, went to local schools and were a part of our community,” she said.

“These young heroes are not a myth, but lived amongst us, and preserving their memory is an important part of our Anzac story.”

The Tourello Avenue dates to 1918, while the Ballarat East Avenue was planted between 1917 and 1920. There are 13 Avenues of Honour within the municipality.