Millgrove Avenue of Honour close to completion
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Six Illawarra flame trees have been planted at Millgrove to form a new Avenue of Honour to commemorate the efforts of local soldiers who served in World War One.
The trees, which are positioned next to the Neighbourhood Safer Place and community fire refuge, are a low fire threat and have been approved by CFA, Emergency Management Victoria and CSIRO.
Millgrove Residents Action Group President Bob Lillie said the majority of the 25 trees in the original Millgrove Avenue of Honour planted 100 years ago were no longer standing.
“Some of the trees that are still there are getting towards the end of their life cycle or are in poor condition,” Mr Lillie said.
“The southern mahogany gum and sugar gums originally had plaques and pickets around them but in 1934 they were washed away in a flood.”
On 5 July 1918, Mrs M.A. Platt requested permission from Upper Yarra Shire Council to plant trees along the side of the road from the Methodist Church to Yardley's Corner at Millgrove.
In March 1919, the community held a welcome home event at the Millgrove Railway Station for some of Millgrove's returned soldiers.
Cr Jim Child said it was important the families of the soldiers and community could visit the Avenue of Honour well into the future.
“I am proud to say that Millgrove residents will have a community space to remember those who gave up their lives between 1914 – 1918,” Cr Child said.
“The new Avenue of Honour will complement the Anzac Day services held here which hundreds of people attend.”
The group advocated to Council to plant the trees and fund the plaques, by starting a petition with the Warburton RSL which gained more than 65 signatures.
Signage and plaques will be installed in the coming weeks, explaining the names of people who served with corflute signs that light up at night.
Mr Lillie said MRAG was grateful for the support given from the Warburton RSL, President Lindsay Fisher and Yarra Ranges Council.
Photo: Millgrove Residents Action Group President Bob Lillie, Council Bushland Management Officer Ben O’Leary, Cr Jim Child and action group member Maureen Halit