Honouring people of the avenue

TAKE a step back in time at the Ballarat Avenue of Honour this Sunday with a series of events to highlight its significance.

Held at the Arch of Victory precinct, there will be two walking tours held at 11am and 2pm as well as a wreath-laying ceremony at the Grieving Mother statue following the second tour.

“What we are trying to do is particularly engage young people, if we can, and adults as well,” said president of the Arch of Victory-Avenue of Honour committee, Garry Snowden.

Attendees will be able to draw the name of a soldier or nurse, learn about their story, and place a poppy beside their name on the memorial wall.

“I’ve prepared 120 very short accounts of the service of some of the men and women of our Avenue,” said Mr Snowden.

“It will be something akin to a raffle where people can come a draw a name out of a tub, say number 56, and we will give them the story of number 56.

“It’s a way of engaging families, so kids can do that with a bit of guidance.”

There will also be colouring activities for children, photos on display and a free sausage sizzle.

Researchers will be on site for people wanting to find out about the history of the people commemorated along the Avenue.

Mr Snowden said it is important to get the younger generation interested in local defence force history, and the names behind the Avenue.

“It is important that we get engaging the next generation in the stories associated with our Arch and Avenue,” he said.

“They are the people I will be relying on to continue to maintain those things and continue to recognise their importance.”