Modewarre Avenue of Honour

The Avenue of Honour, Cape Otway Road, Modewarre, has significance for its commemorative associations with locals who fought and died in the First World War, together with General Birdwood, Commander of Anzac troops and Albert Jacka, former Modewarre local who won Australia's first Victoria Cross. It also has significance as the only surviving intact Avenue of Honour in the Surf Coast Shire. Initially planted as an avenue of elms on 28 June 1918 prior to the cessation of the First World War, the avenue was replaced with the existing 32 cypress trees in the c.1940s, except for one surviving elm (tree number 33, dedicated to Albert Jacka). It is one of approximately 163 memorial tree avenues in Victoria (and one of a fewer number that survive today). The Avenue of Honour appears to be in fair condition and is predominantly intact.

The Avenue of Honour, Cape Otway Road, is historically and socially significant at a LOCAL level (AHC A.4, H.1, G.1). It has associations with local residents who fought and died in the First World and is valued by the local community as an important commemoration of their sacrifice and contribution. Initially planted as elms on 28 June 1918, these trees were replaced with cypresses in the mid 1940s. The avenue has particular associations with General Birdwood, Commander of the Anzac troops (tree number 1), Albert Jacka (tree number 33) and local soldiers. Jacka won Australia's first Victoria Cross at Gallipoli.

The Avenue of Honour of 32 cypress trees and one elm tree, Cape Otway Road, is aesthetically and scientifically (botanically) significant at a LOCAL level (AHC E.1, F.1). It demonstrates visual qualities in the creation of an important cultural landscape of mature exotic trees in Modewarre.

Overall, the Avenue of Honour, Cape Otway Road, is of LOCAL significance.

Group

Monuments and Memorials

Category

War Memorial