The town’s avenue had long been unfinished, with just nine trees planted even though the community had 16 fallen soldiers.

Led by Yendon History Group committee member and event co-ordinator Kay Paton, the other soldiers were researched, the remaining seven trees were planted and plaques were placed at the bottom of each tree to  remember the soldiers. 

Ms Paton said it was an enormous amount of work to compile all the information.

“We had to find the soldiers that may have been from here but didn’t go to school here,” she said. 

In the ceremony, descendants of the fallen soldiers unveiled the plaques next to the trees. 

“It’s great to have everyone together, those who are part of Yendon now and people who were a part of Yendon,” Ms Paton said. 

Yendon History Group secretary Terry O’Brien said funding was received in light of the centenary of the start of World War I. 

He said there was also a memorial for all the soldiers, killed and returning, from World War I. 

“Yendon is a community that is reactivating itself, and this is one of the ways we’re doing that.”

Mr O’Brien said it was hoped the memorial and Avenue of Honour would be used on Anzac Day next year. 

“It gives the community a sense of pride.”

The Creswick RSL Light Horse Troop also turned out for the opening. 

Honorary Warrant Officer Garry Chandler said events like these were important for smaller communities.

“We thought it was an excellent opportunity to come and help,” he said. 

“It’s interesting for people to see what light horses looked like, and we’re in the traditional gear so people can see what they had to carry.”