Mortlake Avenue of Honour

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Mortlake Avenue of Honour – A Living Legacy Renewed

Established in 1919, the Heritage Listed Mortlake Avenue of Honour was created to honour the memory of local men and women who served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War I and World War II. The Avenue was originally planted with Monterey Cypress trees, creating a powerful living memorial.

After more than a century, many of the original trees had reached the end of their lifespan. Significant storm damage in January 2022 led to the emergency removal of the hazardous World War I trees. The remaining World War II section (Stage 2) will commence in 2029.

To ensure this important memorial continues to stand, Moyne Shire Council, in partnership with the Mortlake RSL, the local community, and Heritage Victoria, is replanting the Avenue with Holm Oaks (Quercus ilex), a hardy evergreen species.

Stage 1 preparation is underway, with the planting of 127 Holm Oaks in the World War I section scheduled for Monday 6 October 2025 in line with Heritage Permit conditions. A community ceremony will be held post planting and tree establishment, inviting families of those that served and community members to participate in reinstating individual name plaques, continuing the tradition of honour and remembrance.


Mortlake Avenue of Honour replacement trees, as at March 2025



Mortlake Avenue of Honour – A Living Legacy Renewed

Established in 1919, the Heritage Listed Mortlake Avenue of Honour was created to honour the memory of local men and women who served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War I and World War II. The Avenue was originally planted with Monterey Cypress trees, creating a powerful living memorial.

After more than a century, many of the original trees had reached the end of their lifespan. Significant storm damage in January 2022 led to the emergency removal of the hazardous World War I trees. The remaining World War II section (Stage 2) will commence in 2029.

To ensure this important memorial continues to stand, Moyne Shire Council, in partnership with the Mortlake RSL, the local community, and Heritage Victoria, is replanting the Avenue with Holm Oaks (Quercus ilex), a hardy evergreen species.

Stage 1 preparation is underway, with the planting of 127 Holm Oaks in the World War I section scheduled for Monday 6 October 2025 in line with Heritage Permit conditions. A community ceremony will be held post planting and tree establishment, inviting families of those that served and community members to participate in reinstating individual name plaques, continuing the tradition of honour and remembrance.


Mortlake Avenue of Honour replacement trees, as at March 2025



  • Update 2 October 2025

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    Stage 1 soil preparation works have been completed.
    Planting of 127 Holm Oak trees in the World War I section will commence on Monday 6 October 2025, in line with our heritage permit conditions.
    A community ceremony will be held following the planting and tree establishment.
    We will invite families of those who served and community members to participate in reinstating individual name plaques, continuing the tradition of honour and remembrance.
  • Update 3 August 2025

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    Stage 1 preparation works including soil preparation, service locating and traffic management will commence on Tuesday 5 August 2025 as part of the renewal of the Mortlake Avenue of Honour.
    Replacement Holm Oak trees have been delivered to the Mortlake Depot, where they will undergo acclimatisation in preparation for planting scheduled for late-September to mid-October. These trees will replace the World War I trees that were removed following the storm in 2022.

    We will keep the Mortlake community informed of progress.

  • Update November 2024

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    Site preparation works including the removal of stumps and soil amelioration at 127 planting locations are proposed for early-mid 2025. Planting is scheduled for July-August 2025.

    We will alert the Mortlake community and media to these activities in early 2025. An event to mark the planting will also be announced in 2025.

Page last updated: 15 Oct 2025, 02:39 PM