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Mortlake Avenue of Honour

Location Hamilton Highway, Mortlake VIC 3272 File Number Original Hermes No: 122204 Level -

[1/4] MORTLAKE Avenue of Honour [2/4] MORTLAKE Avenue of Honour [3/4] MORTLAKE Avenue of Honour [4/4] MORTLAKE Avenue of Honour

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The Mortlake Avenue of Honour on the Hamilton Highway, Mortlake, comprises an avenue of 191 Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) that were planted as an entrance to the town of Mortlake from the eastern approach (or Darlington side). The trees were planted in the wake of World Wars I and II in memory of the soldiers who fought.

How is it significant?
The Mortlake Avenue of Honour on the Hamilton Highway, Mortlake, is of historical, scientific (horticultural), aesthetic, and social significance to the State of Victoria.

Why is it significant?
The Mortlake Avenue of Honour, first planted in 1919, is of historical significance to the State of Victoria as an impressive, intact and integral part of the Victorian network of avenues of honour; at one time this totalled some 128 avenues throughout Victoria, but is now much reduced. It is representative of plantings that first appeared in Australia during World War I, which commemorated all those who enlisted for service in an egalitarian form where each individual was equally recognised for their service regardless of rank. [from 'Eurack Avenue of Honour' citation, Heritage Victoria]

The Mortlake Avenue of Honour on the Hamilton Highway, Mortlake, is of local historical and social significance for its commemoration of the local men who served overseas in World Wars I and II. The intact brass name plates set beneath many of the trees add to this significance.

The Mortlake Avenue of Honour is of scientific (horticultural) significance to the State of Victoria as a record of the growth of a particular species planted at a known time. It is believed to be the longest avenue of mature Monterey Cypress in Victoria.

The Mortlake Avenue of Honour is of aesthetic significance to the State of Victoria as an intact and imposing landscape element, with the uniform planting of Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) forming a stark contrast to its pastoral surroundings, and for providing an attractive and impressive entry to the town of Mortlake. It is second only in length to the Ballarat Avenue of Honour, and is the longest, most intact and most impressive avenue in south-west Victoria. This extensive avenue of Monterey Cypress makes an important contribution to the distinctive landscape character of Mortlake and Moyne Shire, and of the Western District generally.
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The Mortlake Avenue of Honour if of local social significance for its relationship to the community as a memorial to those who served in world wars I and II, and for its continuing commemorative importance. It remains as an indication of the involvement of Victoria's small communities in commemorating the sacrifices of their volunteers, and the loss and sorrow experienced by small rural areas across Victoria. ['Eurack Avenue of Honour' citation, Heritage Victoria]