Balingup Avenue of Honour

Values

· The place has historic value as an Avenue of Honour planted to commemorate fallen soldiers of World War One who had lived in the Balingup district.
· The place has historic value for its associations with Field Marshall Sir William Birdwood, who played an important role in commanding the Australian and New Zealand forces in Europe during World War One, including the Gallipoli campaign.
· The place has aesthetic value as an avenue of 56 mature Oak trees that line both sides of a curved road in a pleasing rural setting.
· The place has value to the local community for social, cultural, and aesthetic reasons, and contributes to its sense of place.

Physical Description

A memorial avenue of 56 mature Oak trees that line both sides of a curved road leading to Balingup Brook. The avenue forms the major part of a Crown reserve, and is surrounded by farmland. Of the 56 trees planted, 54 remain in good condition. The original plaques consisted of a jarrah post with tin across the top. The local Lions Club has an original plaque in its possession, and plans to replace all missing plaques.

History

On 9 June 1932, the Balingup sub-branch of the RSL obtained permission from the Balingup Roads Board to plant trees in a crown reserve for the purpose of a war memorial. Fifty- six oak trees were planted in 2 rows. The Avenue of Honour was opened by Field Marshall Sir William Birdwood on 20 August 1932. Birdwood had a connection to Balingup through his daughter who married the son of a local property owner. The programme for the opening of the Avenue of Honour included a Diggers luncheon, followed by a march to the memorial site, and an opening address by Sir William Birdwood. Birdwood and other dignitaries each planted one tree, and the nameplates were placed in position by relatives of the fallen soldiers. The day’s events were followed by a grand ball in the district hall.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.