Ballarat Avenue of Honour trees replaced following storm damage

The replacement of dozens of trees along the Ballarat Avenue of Honour is nearing completion. 

A total of 62 trees along the Avenue were severely damaged in devastating storms in October last year, with many ripped completely out of the ground. 

After extensive assessments and recovery works, the City of Ballarat’s parks and gardens team commenced the replacement of the trees last week. 

As part of the replanting program, a further seven trees were planted on Sunday to mark a commemoration service to pay respects to 36 Ballarat men who were killed fighting at Passchendaele in Belgium during the first week of October 1917. 

The Arch of Victory/Avenue of Honour Committee presented a $45,000 cheque to the City of Ballarat to contribute towards the replanting costs. 

The vast majority of the 62 trees have now been replanted, with only a small handful to be completed once weather conditions allow. 

Pin Oak trees were planted during the ceremony on Sunday, with Dutch Elm, Ariel Green Ash, English Oak and Turkey Oak trees also among the new additions. 

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney was thankful for the generous contribution from the Arch of Victory/Avenue of Honour Committee. 

“The City of Ballarat is extremely grateful for the receipt of this cheque and for the ongoing work of the Avenue of Honour and Arch of Victory committee for their dedication to such an important part of our history,” he said. 

“The Avenue is such a significant part of Ballarat. Once again, we have seen our community rally to answer the call to help keep such an important story alive.” 

Ballarat’s Avenue of Honour is Australia’s longest avenue of its kind, stretching 22 kilometres and including 3801 trees. 

Each tree is paired with a plaque dedicated to the individual men and women from Ballarat who enlisted their services in World War 1.