Majestic Avenue celebrates

By Tina Seirlis

It must have been a project like no other and absolutely marvellous to witness, the planting of the heritage listed Avenue of Honour in Bacchus Marsh.

The scale of such a project on public land and, involving different government authorities would be near impossible by today’s standards, and likely to be choked five times over by red tape and fears of risk.

Back then it was an opportunity to channel constant worry, threat and heartache into something solemn yet hopeful, positive yet formidable, the foresight to deliver beauty and legacy in perpetuity, and most of all honouring those locals who fought in the Great War.

All (Bacchus Marsh) Shire residents were requested to attend the first public meeting on 24 June 1918 where it would be decided what steps should be taken to plant trees along the main road establishing an Avenue of Honour ahead of spring budburst. The result of the meeting, and a few extra steps in-between, was a mass gathering of over 1000 people on Saturday 10 August 1918. At the sound of the bugle all 281 Avenue trees were planted simultaneously creating one of the longest Avenue’s of Honour in Victoria at nearly three kilometres.

Elms were selected as the preferred deciduous tree species following a request by the Country Roads Board at the time who did not want to see the road constantly damp in winter.

Iris Roberts, Secretary of today’s Bacchus Marsh RSL said the Avenue is an honour to those who served and died in WWI for this country.

“It serves to keep their memory alive for their families and future generations. The Avenue is the second largest in Victoria and a wonderful entrance to the township of Bacchus Marsh,” she said.

Fast forward to today, and both locals and visitors continue to find themselves drawn to the majesty, serenity and wonder of the Avenue, much as children are captivated by the world of Enid Blyton’s Magic Faraway Tree. Many locals have anecdotally shared the feeling of having a weight lifted off their shoulders as they exit the Western Highway and sight the Avenue, knowing they have arrived home.

Barb McMillan in her second year as President of Bacchus Marsh Historical Society said the Avenue forms part of the history of Bacchus Marsh.

“It also represents the camaraderie between the people who saw it as a wonderful way to honour those who fought for our country.”

Ms McMillan also shared another notable accolade for the Avenue.

“The 281 Elms that line the Bacchus Marsh Avenue of Honour were collectively named Victorian Tree of the Year by the National Trust in 2020.

“The victory reflects the community’s passion and willingness to protect this cultural landmark and living war memorial.’”

The Avenue of Honour turned the grand old age of 105 years old on 10 August. With a fast- growing local population, it can only be hoped that all residents sincerely wished this formidable beauty many happy returns of the day.