Hands-on history: Young helpers work alongside advisory committee members to revitalise the rest stop with new plantings.
A hands-on tree planting event has brought new energy to a much-loved regional landmark, with local school students and community members teaming up to enhance the Calder Woodburn Memorial Avenue rest stop.
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Hosted on Monday, June 23 by the Calder Woodburn Memorial Avenue Advisory Committee, the planting day saw students from Grahamvale Primary School and Kialla West Primary School join committee members to plant a selection of shrubs and bushes at the site, located just south of Shepparton.
The collaborative effort aims to improve the site’s amenity and encourage more visitors to pause, reflect and learn about the historical and cultural importance of the Calder Woodburn Memorial Avenue.
The new plantings will be supported by an on-site bore and cared for over the coming months.
To ensure the safety of participants, the Department of Transport and Planning temporarily closed the rest stop during the activity.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali praised the student involvement, calling the project a meaningful way to uphold the legacy of the avenue.
“The Calder Woodburn Memorial Avenue is an incredibly significant place for our region, and it is fantastic to see our community, especially the younger generation, actively involved in preserving it,” he said.
“This planting not only beautifies the rest stop but reinforces the avenue’s role as a place of remembrance, reflection and local pride.”
Cr Paul Wickham, council’s representative on the advisory committee, said the event was a reminder of how strong community connections could lead to lasting impact.
“It was great to see students and community members working side-by-side to care for such a meaningful place,” he said.
“Initiatives like this create lasting connections between people and place.”
Fellow committee member Cr Steven Threlfall echoed the sentiment, adding that involving students had both educational and emotional significance.
“Engaging young people in the conservation of the Calder Woodburn Memorial Avenue helps ensure its significance is recognised and respected for generations to come,” he said.
The Calder Woodburn Memorial Avenue Advisory Committee continues to play a crucial role in protecting the future of the avenue, which is recognised for its historic, aesthetic and social-cultural heritage significance to Victoria.
Community members passionate about preserving this important site are now invited to take part in shaping its future.
Nominations are open for five community representative positions on the advisory committee, with terms of up to four years.
Meetings are held every six to eight weeks.
Nominations close at 5pm on Monday, July 21. To find out more or to apply, visit the Shaping Greater Shepparton website.
For further details, contact council on (03) 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au
Students from Grahamvale and Kialla West primary schools join community members in planting native shrubs at the Calder Woodburn Memorial Avenue rest stop.
