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 1 June 2026

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    Stage 1 Works Update

    Mortlake Avenue of Honour World War 1 Interpretive Signage Installation

    As part of Stage 1 of the Mortlake Avenue of Honour project, interpretive signage will be installed in September at Market Square, Mortlake. The signage will enrich the site and provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the historical and community significance of the Avenue of Honour. This display will share the background and purpose of the project, highlighting its connection to local heritage and commemorative values.

    The signage also introduces the newly planted trees, explaining their species, symbolism, and contribution to the character of the space. In recognition of service and sacrifice, a dedicated panel lists local WW1 servicemen and women, ensuring their contributions are respectfully acknowledged.

    In addition, the installation features biographical stories of local individuals, offering a personal connection to the community’s history. A small commemorative garden will also be established, incorporating the Gallipoli Rose and Gallipoli Rosemary - plants traditionally associated with remembrance - creating a reflective space for visitors.

    Together, these elements will form an important foundation for the project, providing both educational and commemorative value as the broader works continue.

    Planning is underway for an official unveiling ceremony which will be held to mark the completion of this stage, celebrating the contributions of those recognised within the project and acknowledging the community’s support throughout its delivery.

    We look forward to welcoming you to the unveiling and sharing this special moment together on Sunday 15 November 2026.

    Commemorative Plaque Refurbishment Update

    Refurbishment and manufacturing works are completed on the commemorative plaques to preserve their condition and ensure their longevity for future generations. This careful restoration process will enhance their appearance while maintaining their historical integrity and significance.

    Subject to the required permits and approvals, the plaques are planned to be reinstalled over the coming month. Once reinstated, they will continue to serve as an important feature of the site, recognising and honouring those they commemorate.

    We appreciate the community’s patience during this process and look forward to returning these valued elements to the space as part of the ongoing project works.

    In addition, a symbolic enhancement is proposed as part of the project to facilitate an annual Remembrance Day observance, ensuring the site continues to serve as a meaningful place of remembrance for future generations. More details to come.

    Stage 1 Works Update

    Mortlake Avenue of Honour World War 1 Interpretive Signage Installation

    As part of Stage 1 of the Mortlake Avenue of Honour project, interpretive signage will be installed in September at Market Square, Mortlake. The signage will enrich the site and provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the historical and community significance of the Avenue of Honour. This display will share the background and purpose of the project, highlighting its connection to local heritage and commemorative values.

    The signage also introduces the newly planted trees, explaining their species, symbolism, and contribution to the character of the space. In recognition of service and sacrifice, a dedicated panel lists local WW1 servicemen and women, ensuring their contributions are respectfully acknowledged.

    In addition, the installation features biographical stories of local individuals, offering a personal connection to the community’s history. A small commemorative garden will also be established, incorporating the Gallipoli Rose and Gallipoli Rosemary - plants traditionally associated with remembrance - creating a reflective space for visitors.

    Together, these elements will form an important foundation for the project, providing both educational and commemorative value as the broader works continue.

    Planning is underway for an official unveiling ceremony which will be held to mark the completion of this stage, celebrating the contributions of those recognised within the project and acknowledging the community’s support throughout its delivery.

    We look forward to welcoming you to the unveiling and sharing this special moment together on Sunday 15 November 2026.

    Commemorative Plaque Refurbishment Update

    Refurbishment and manufacturing works are completed on the commemorative plaques to preserve their condition and ensure their longevity for future generations. This careful restoration process will enhance their appearance while maintaining their historical integrity and significance.

    Subject to the required permits and approvals, the plaques are planned to be reinstalled over the coming month. Once reinstated, they will continue to serve as an important feature of the site, recognising and honouring those they commemorate.

    We appreciate the community’s patience during this process and look forward to returning these valued elements to the space as part of the ongoing project works.

    In addition, a symbolic enhancement is proposed as part of the project to facilitate an annual Remembrance Day observance, ensuring the site continues to serve as a meaningful place of remembrance for future generations. More details to come.

  • Update 2 October 2025

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    supporting image
    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.
    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.

    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.

    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: 02 Jun 2026, 04:47 PM