A massive 1.5-tonne piece of a historic Mona Vale memorial tree, planted to honour fallen soldiers, has been saved from decay and prepared for public display, ensuring its century-long story continues for future generations.
A New Chapter for an Old Guardian
For over 100 years, the Victory Tree stood as a quiet sentinel on Pittwater Road. Planted after World War I, the Holly Oak was more than just a tree; it was a living memorial where families could remember loved ones lost in a war far from home. But after a century of watching over the community, the old oak finally succumbed to Armillaria Root Rot, a disease that worked silently beneath the soil.
While the tree could not be saved, its story was not allowed to end. In a dedicated effort to preserve this piece of local history, a significant section of a limb was carefully salvaged. The 1.8-metre-long piece, weighing about 1.5 tonnes, has been meticulously cross-sectioned and polished. This process has revealed the deep, rich patterns of the rare wood, turning a piece of nature into a work of art that tells a story of remembrance and resilience.
Preserving a Legacy
The effort to save a part of the tree was championed by former Mayor David James, who also had other sections of the tree milled into 55-millimetre-wide slabs. The large, polished section is set to become a permanent public feature at the Mona Vale Civic Centre, allowing the community to connect with its past.
The original tree was planted in 1920 as part of a Methodist Youth program that saw 200 memorial oaks planted across New South Wales. The program was supported by J.H. Maiden, the Chief Botanist at the Sydney Botanical Gardens at the time. The Mona Vale oak was one of the very few that survived into the 21st century, making its preservation even more significant. At the original site, a plaque remains, detailing the location’s history and its purpose as a place for remembrance in the absence of graves.
Looking to the Future
While the community honours the past, plans are already underway for the future. The council has confirmed it will plant a new symbolic tree nearby. The original spot cannot be used again because the root rot disease has contaminated the soil, making it unsuitable for a new planting. This next chapter ensures that Mona Vale will continue to have a living tribute to its history and the memory of the fallen.
Published Date 14-October-2025
