A new Gallipoli oak tree has been planted at the Anzac Memorial Garden at Keilor Library to commemorate locals who lost their lives in WWI.
The new tree was planted by Brimbank council last month after the previous one, planted in 2018 to commemorate the Anzac Centenary, was dug out for rehabilitation.
Keilor Historical Society vice president Susan Jennison said the tree is highly significant.
“It represents such an important element of Australia and New Zealand’s history,” Ms Jennison said.
“On the board in the Old Shire Hall it has the names of the people and nurses that were associated [with WWI]. That tree is a part of that symbolic gesture to them.
“It’s honouring their memories. It’s honouring the history of Keilor and the Keilor region.”
Brimbank mayor Cr Thuy Dang said the new oak is intended to be a tribute for generations to come.
“It’s another way we can ensure Brimbank continues to remember the sacrifices made by those Australians who served in WWI,” Cr Dang said.
“Thanks to the Keilor Historical Society for its ongoing work to preserve our local history and for creating opportunities for the community to learn from our past.”
Cr Dang said council aims to replant the previous oak tree once it is healthy again.
The Gallipoli oak tree is characterised by its spiny-serrated leaves and acorns and grows along ridges and across valleys of the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkiye.
