The 36 walnut trees, which were planted in 1918 to honour soldiers from the Tourello district who served in World War I, will be restored to their original condition as one of 13 projects to receive a share of $100,520 in state government funding. 

More than $2600 in support has been made available for the restoration, include replanting some of the trees which have died and the placing of a plaque documenting those who served, with the work to be completed on behalf of the Ballarat City Council.

The Tourello Avenue is the only known example of walnuts used as an avenue planting in Victoria.

“The important funding will help restore the Tourello Avenue of Honour, which marks the service and sacrifice of the Victoria’s was veterans in the local community,” Western Victoria MP David O’Brien said.

“Since this program commenced, the Coalition government has provided funding to restore more than 430 local memorials and honour rolls across Victoria. This year the Victorian government is pleased to include avenues of honour in this program for the first time.” 

Clunes RSL treasurer Reg Kinnersly, whose father served in World War I, grew up in nearby Tourello. He said most of the trees along the avenue continued to flourish even though the town itself had largely disappeared.

“I think (the announcement) is great news,” Mr Kinnersly said.

“We have a local committee that keeps an eye on the trees. There are a couple that have died but (most) are still flourishing. 

“I was born in 1929 and I went to school in Tourello and I can always remember the walnut trees. I’ve eaten the walnuts off them.”

gavin.mcgrath@fairfaxmedia.com.au