Traralgon War Memorial
Kay Street, Traralgon VIC 3844
-
Add to tour
You must log in to do that.
-
Share
-
Shortlist place
You must log in to do that.
- Download report
Statement of Significance
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)
-
-
Traralgon War Memorial - Physical Description 1
The Kay Street median is a feature which creates a very European boulevard effect along a street which has become an institutional precinct within the town. English Elms stand in two rows on either side of the median from Franklin Street to Breed Street. West of this Breed Street intersection are plantations of native shrubs and bushes which effectively disconnect the residential area from the institutional strip.
Unfortunately the median has been converted to car parking bays opposite the Shire and City Offices which detracts significantly from the parkland character of the strip.
At the Franklin Street intersection a war memorial stands marking an important junction.
The statue represents a soldier standing at ease, now oriented facing west down the boulevard. It is carved out of white stone and mounted on a composite granite pedestal. A section with plaster cornices sits on top of the inscribed plaque section with a rusticated granite base. A concrete path leads from the west and surrounds the base of the statue by about one metre. Two flower beds are positioned in the lawn astride the statue while two diagonal walls extend north-west and south-west, and were installed in 1979.Traralgon War Memorial - Historical Australian Themes
9. COMMUNITY & CULTURAL LIFE 9.2 Memorials and remembering
Veterans Description for Public
Traralgon War Memorial - Veterans Description for Public
The Traralgon War Memorial, on Kay Street, was built to commemorate the First World War in which over two hundred and thirty Traralgon men served, and fifty did not return. A collection was started for the memorial in July 1919 and the community decided on a statue rather than a garden and rotunda as previously nominated. During the inter war years, the Returned Service League and church organisations were extremely active in the community organising fund raising concerts, picnics and community services. The Traralgon Record reported in 1920, that the RSL president 'informed the public that Layton Bros. store would be boycotted for dismissing two ex-servicemen, while two 'non-diggers' retained their jobs.
In 1921, five pine trees were removed from the Kay Street median strip in preparation for the war memorial. It was not until 25th February 1923, that after more than four years, the memorial was finally unveiled. The cost was £731 in total, including surrounding gardens and picket fence.
In Feburary 1979, the memorial statue was turned around to face west and the names of the soldiers who died in the Second World War and Vietnam were added. At this time two brick 'wings' were constructed and splayed out towards the Avenue of Honour. On 11 November 1999, it was rededicated and now lists the names of 97 fallen servicemen.Heritage Study and Grading
Latrobe - Traralgon Heritage Study (1992)
Author: Context Pty Ltd
Year: 1992
Grading: Local
-
-
-
-
-
Traralgon Avenue of HonourVic. War Heritage Inventory
-
Traralgon Honour RollVic. War Heritage Inventory
-
Traralgon Honour RollVic. War Heritage Inventory
-
ACTOR'S STUDIO HOUSEVictorian Heritage Register H2420
-
ANZ BANK (FORMER)Ballarat City H114
-
-