Memorial TreesPrint Page

The trees were originally planted in the Recreation Reserve to commemorate those from the District who died in service or were killed in action in World War One. Additional trees were planted for those who died in service or were killed in action in World War Two. 

The first tree, an English oak tree, was planted in the grounds on the 29th June 1915 for Private Ilett who was killed in action at Gallipoli. A marble plaque was placed on the tree in 1916. Subsequent tree plantings took place in 1917 and 1919. There are name plaques for Private Ilett and T.J. Dwyer who lost his life in World War Two. 

As Arbor Day takes place in Warrion on Tuesday next, it was decided to plant a tree in the local recreation ground as a memorial to the fallen soldier. The committee of the local gun club, of which Private Ilett was an enthusiastic member, intimated to the meeting that they would provide a suitable guard for same such offer being accepted.
Excerpt from The Colac Herald (Vic.) 25 June 1915. 

A beautiful tablet has been erected at Warrion by the Warrion Patriotic Committee to perpetuate the memory of Private E. C. Ilett, who was killed in action at Gallipoli. Recently an English oak was planted in the reserve with a railing around with the tablet affixed. The Warrion Gun Club were also connected with the movement. The late Private Ilett had been associated with several leading sporting movements in the district and his disposition had endeared him to all. The tablet, which is a neatly designed shield, worked from Carrara marble was made by Mr C. Wilcox. On its face are very skillfully carved out and painted in colours are the British and Australian flags, under which are the words, "Pro Deo et Patria,"  followed by the following inscription in leaden letters :– "In loving memory of E. C. ILett (8th Battalion, 1st Contingent) who gave his life for the Empire at Gallipoli, Turkey, May, 1915; aged 19 years and 9 months. "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die."
Colac Reformer (Vic.), 25 January 1916.

Arbour Day was celebrated as usual at the local State School when a number of trees were planted in the School ground. After the children had been provided with refreshments an adjournment was made to the Recreation Ground where a large gathering of residents of Warrion assembled to plant trees in memory of local soldiers who have fallen in the War. The names of the soldiers were Privates W. Samways, T White, and R. Kerr, and the trees were planted by Miss Edith Neale, Mrs Tim Ryan, and Mrs R. Martin, respectively. On Friday last another large gathering assembled to plant trees to the memory of Privates T Brennan and R. O'Meara. These were planted by Mrs H. Brennan and Mrs J. Reid. Addresses were delivered by Messrs. A. McKay, A. Mclaren and D. Reid eulogising the heroic spirit which prompted those lads to offer their lives for the blessings which we now enjoy, and trusting that their noble action will ever remain green in our memory. On behalf of the residents of Warrion they extended heartfelt sympathy with the friends of those who have fallen.
Colac Herald (Vic.),  24 August 1917.

On Saturday, 12th July, two memorial trees were planted in the local Recreation Reserve, in honor of Privates Les Ray and Arthur C. Neale, who have made the supreme sacrifice, The circumstances connected with the death of each were particularly touching. Private Ray, after going through the Gallipoli campaign, was returned to Australia in 1916 and discharged, but afterwards re-enlisted, and after two years fighting in France, was felled just prior to the signing of the armistice. Private Arthur Neale, after four years constant service in Gallipoli and France, was invalided to Australia shortly before hostilities ceased; but developing influenza on the voyage, was landed at Melbourne, and though so near his home, was destined never to see it. The planting of trees was carried out in spite of the extremely wet and stormy weather, and the large gathering of residents was eloquent testimony of the sympathy felt for the bereaved parents. Warrion's total losses during the war now numbering 12—certainly a heavy toll for a small community— emphasises the part taken by the local boys in the fight for liberty. The avenue, consisting of Portuguese oaks, should in years to come be a fitting memorial and a striking feature of the township.
Camperdown Chronicle (Vic.), 2 August 1919.

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