Action underway to repair Avenues

RESTORATION of the Ballarat East and Tourello Avenues of Honour has begun.

The works are being undertaken by the City of Ballarat, with more than $15,000 worth of support from the State Government’s Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour.

Brown Hill Progress Association and Ballarat Lions Club members are also volunteering to assist with plantings, which local historians have advocated for.

Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison, visited the Ballarat East site last week, alongside Minister for Veterans, Shaun Leane.

“This is an important announcement for our community, and I’d like to thank Faye Parry, John Dyke and Tony Marshall who have been instrumental in advocating for this funding to restore the Ballarat East Avenue of Honour,” she said.

“This will allow future generations to understand the significance of the Anzacs close to home.”

Arch of Victory-Avenue of Honour Committee president Garry Snowden said he was pleased to see the district’s other Avenues being appreciated.

“Restoring, protecting and maintaining our avenues of honour gives truth to the pledge that is made every time The Ode is recited at a commemorative service, ‘We will remember them’,” he said.

The Ballarat East Avenue of Honour runs along Melbourne Road, with the cross-streets of Strickland Parade and Ritchie Street, and 100 trees were originally planted in 1917, however, not many remain.

Seventy-two trees are being replanted there, and signage to acknowledge the memorial will be improved.

Fifteen English walnut trees are being replaced and minor groundworks are taking place at Tourello Road Avenue of Honour which dates back to 1920.