Dobie’s Avenue of Honour is set to be destroyed for Western Highway duplication works, but historian Roy Trimble is determined the story of the town’s fallen soldiers will not be forgotten.
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The former Dobie resident admits the Avenue of Honour in its current state isn’t worth saving, with few healthy trees remaining from the original 22 planted in 1919. But he is campaigning to save the original handmade name plaques, with a vision to establish a dedicated memorial to the soldiers at an alternative site.
“These name plates should be looked for. They shouldn’t just be buried under rubble,” Mr Trimble said.
“They are so unique they would be the only of their type anywhere in the world.”
Mr Trimble, a former Pomonal teacher, is determined the story of the Dobie’s past won’t be lost, with work on the Western Highway duplication set to create major changes to the landscape.
He is also campaigning to preserve the stone pavers from the old Hopkins River crossing underneath the Dobie bridge on the Western Highway, with the hope they could also be used in a memorial for the soldiers.
“These men from Dobie deserve no less than any other soldier,” Mr Trimble said.
“Almost one in four soldiers died and didn’t return. Out of a small community that would have had a huge impact.
Wannon MP Dan Tehan has thrown his support behind Mr Trimble’s campaign commemorative campaign.
“In speaking with VicRoads as the lead authority, they have assured me that they are committed to looking for any plaques during the construction phase of the project, for saving and preservation,” Mr Tehan said.
“I attended the Anzac Day Commemorative service in the town of Noorat, and it demonstrated that rural towns are the heart of community commemorations of our servicemen and women.
It is important that we continue to honour Australia’s military history through the Anzac story and enhance the community’s understanding of the service and sacrifice made by Australians in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
- Dan Tehan, Wannon MP
“I understand on discussion with VicRoads that they are committed to retaining any pavers in the Hopkins River and working in partnership with relevant stakeholders on the recovery of any pavers for the best and most appropriate reuse.”
VicRoads North West projects director Nigel Powers said the team had put a “considerable amount of work into finding the best way to continue honouring those who have served”.
“We’ve spoken to the Ararat RSL, Historical Society and local historians, who felt the most appropriate way to remember those who served is through the Honour Board at Ararat’s Langi Morgala Museum,” he said.
VicRoads has agreed to Mr Trimble’s request to be given access to loose disturbed pavers from the historic Dobie ford, to work with the community for suitable commemoration.
From discussions with Ararat Historical Society’s Langi Morgala Museum and others consulted, VicRoads found there was no support for the construction of a new Avenue of Honour.
Construction work to duplicate 12.5km of the Western Highway between Buangor and Ararat will begin in the next few weeks. The road is due to open mid-2020.
A 55km stretch of the highway has already been duplicated west of Ballarat.
State Western Victoria MP Jaala Pulford said the project would create a safer and more efficient route.
Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
