April 23, 2015

Macedon’s honour avenue added to victorian heritage register

Macedon’s iconic Honour Avenue has been added to the Victorian Heritage Register as part of the lead up to ANZAC Centenary commemorations.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, said it was important to recognise the memorial in the lead up to the ANZAC Centenary.

"The Avenue is one of four Avenues of Honour across the state being recognised in the Victorian Heritage Register this month".

Ms Thomas, said she was pleased with the listing as it ensures the highest heritage protection possible so that any changes or works on the trees would require a permit from Heritage Victoria.

"The heritage listing means this beautiful historic asset in the Macedon township will be preserved for generations into the future," Ms Thomas said.

The Macedon Avenue of Honour was officially opened by the Premier of Victoria in 1918 and the 154 pin oaks were planted by volunteers to honour the 154 men and women of Macedon and Mount Macedon who enlisted for service during the Great War 1914 – 1918.

"The trees along Macedon’s Honour Avenue are representative of the many plantings that appeared in Victoria, particularly during World War I, commemorating all those who enlisted for service in an egalitarian way where each individual, regardless of rank, was equally recognised for their service," Ms Thomas said.

Since the early 1900s, commemorative avenues of trees have been planted in Australia and internationally to honour those who have served in wartime.

Victoria has the largest number of Avenues of Honour of any state or territory in Australia with some 218 First World War memorial avenues planted throughout the state and more than 100 commemorating other conflicts.

Subscribe to my newsletter

Get the latest news and events across the Macedon Electorate.