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This article was published on Wednesday, 9 July, 2025. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Community planting brings fresh life to Calder Woodburn Memorial Avenue Rest Stop

In Summary

Local students from Grahamvale and Kialla West Primary Schools joined the Calder Woodburn Memorial Avenue Advisory Committee to plant shrubs and bushes at the Memorial Avenue Rest Stop on Monday 23 June.
The planting aims to enhance the amenity of the rest stop and encourage reflection on the site’s historical and cultural significance.
The event highlighted the importance of community connection and engaging younger generations in conservation and remembrance activities.
Nominations are now open for five community representative positions on the Advisory Committee, with applications closing at 5.00pm on Monday 21 July 2025.

Students from Grahamvale Primary School and Kialla West Primary School joined members of the Advisory Committee to plant a variety of shrubs and bushes, contributing to the ongoing enhancement and care of this important site.

The new plantings will be nurtured over the coming months with the support of an on-site bore. It is hoped the additions will improve the amenity of the rest stop and encourage more people to pause, reflect, and learn about the historical and cultural significance of the Calder Woodburn Memorial Avenue.

To ensure the safety of participants, the Department of Transport and Planning temporarily closed the rest stop during the activity.

Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the collaboration between students and the Committee was a wonderful way to honour the site’s legacy.

“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.”

Committee Councillor representative, Cr Paul Wickham said the event demonstrated the power of community connection.

“It was great to see students and community members working side by side to care for such a meaningful place. Initiatives like this create lasting connections between people and place,” he said.

Cr Steven Threlfall, also a member of the Committee, said the planting activity was a great opportunity to educate and inspire.

“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 play a vital role in advocating for the future conservation of the Avenue, which holds historic, aesthetic and social cultural heritage significance to the State of Victoria. Community members who are passionate about the preservation of this important site are now invited to get involved.

Nominations are now open for five community representative positions on the Calder Woodburn Memorial Avenue Advisory Committee. The term of appointment is up to four years, with meetings held every six to eight weeks.

Nominations open are now open and close at 5pm on Monday 21 July 2025.

For more details or to submit a nomination, visit the Shaping Greater Shepparton website here.

For further information, please call Council on 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au.