The Avenues of Honour project is a national initiative to document, preserve, promote and reinstate the original Avenues of Honour and to establish new commemorative trees recognizing war service, encompassing plantings from the Boer War, World Wars One and Two and all subsequent conflicts.   Glenn Williams is a former National Heritage Manager of the National Trust of South Australia and subsequently Director of Treenet, a not for profit organization responsible for the Avenues of Honour project.   There are more than 540 known Avenues of Honour in Australia, with more than 300 in Victoria. As a majority were initiated during or immediately after World War One, most of the original trees are over one hundred years old, and a significant number have disappeared or are not in good condition. Many of the small settlements where Avenues were established have also disappeared leaving no local people to care for them.   Now in retirement, Glenn devotes his time as a volunteer to continue with the project. He has many observations on the suitability of trees in different districts and climatic conditions.   Online Zoom ticket info will be sent to attendees via email before the event.

Bishopscourt has been the residence of all the Anglican Bishops and Archbishops of Melbourne since 1853. The house is the oldest in East Melbourne, and the estate is the oldest in the City of Melbourne. The house and garden are both included on the Victorian Heritage Register, with eighteen trees recorded on the citation. The majestic Red River Gum, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, later known as the “Corroboree Tree”, was estimated by Baron von Müller to have been a sapling in 1549. On arrival, we will be ushered into the house and enjoy morning tea and coffee. Then we will have a tour of the house and the spacious, beautiful garden. Bring walking shoes, drink bottle and rain jacket. Requires 20 tickets sold for the tour to proceed, confirmation on 21 April 2026.