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Traralgon War Memorial

Location Kay Street, Traralgon VIC 3844 File Number Original Hermes No: 119573 Level -

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Statement of Significance

What is significant?
Kay Street was originally the main roading leading into Traralgon from Melbourne and this accounted for its exceptional width, which is unusual within Traralgon. It was originally lined with pines. In 1921, several pines at the Franklin Street end were removed to allow the construction of a World War I memorial, which was finally unveiled on 25 February, 1923. Then in 1929, the pines were replaced by Elm trees in a double row from Franklin to Breed streets. In 1979, the memorial was moved to face west and flanking wings were added.

How is it significant?
The Elm Memorial Avenue and War Memorial, Kay Street, Traralgon is of local historic, social, and aesthetic significance to Latrobe City.

Why is it Significant?
Historically, the Elm Avenue is significant as it marks what was once the key entry point into Traralgon from Melbourne and signifies the importance of Kay Street at what was once the civic heart of Traralgon. The importance of the place is enhanced by the War Memorial, which has social significance as a reminder of the impact of World War I and other conflicts upon the Traralgon community. The now mature landscape is representative of the streetscape works carried out by municipal authorities in the early twentieth century, which followed European ideals. (RNE A.4, D.2 & G.1)

Aesthetically, the Elm Avenue is significant as a notable cultural landscape feature, unique within the town and Latrobe City. Together with the War Memorial, it forms an impressive civic space. (RNE criterion E.1)