The Avenue of Honour and The Arch of Victory
A new memorial in the form of a rotunda has been constructed adjacent to the Arch of Victory and in 1997 a management plan was devised for the maintenance of the Avenue of Honour. The trees are now in a state of decline but the Avenue is to be retained as a most significant cultural asset of national importance. On November 6, 1997, a Restoration Fund was launched to raise $600 000 for the annual replacement of 100 trees for the next 40 years.
1. Arch of Victory
1920 Brick, cement rendered, Public subscription
On the Western Highway is a 22 kilometre stretch of 3728 trees, each one a memorial to men and women in order of enlistment for World War 1. The final planting was completed on 9 June 1919 and the employees of the Lucas Factory then began to collect money to build the Arch of Victory to form an entrance. They pledged 2d in every pound of their wages, sold souvenirs and held fund raising drives.
On 2 June 1920, the Prince of Wales opened the Arch and was presented with a pair of silk pyjamas embroidered with Australian emblems. Each of the 500 'Lucas Girls' had put in a stitch.
Created : 28 June 2003
Last Modified : 18 July 2007
Email : jburrell@ncable.net.au
URL : http://users.ncable.net.au/~jburrell/his/statues/1arch.htm