Trees Removed for Hospital Redevelopment Find New Life in Macclesfield’s ANZAC Memorial Garden

16 April 2025

A collaboration between the Department of Health and Wellbeing, Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network (BHFLHN), Council and the RSL Macclesfield Sub Branch has ensured that trees removed for the new Mount Barker Hospital redevelopment will continue to benefit the local community.

Six desert ash trees that were part of the decommissioned Avenue of Honour, recently removed from the footpaths along Wellington Road as part of essential works for the $320.8 million hospital upgrade, have found a second life thanks to the Macclesfield RSL.

BHFLHN donated the trees to the RSL, with sections mulched and now being used in the Macclesfield ANZAC Memorial Garden. The remainder of the wood was chopped by the Macclesfield Football Club, with some sold to raise funds for the RSL and other portions set to be donated to local residents to help them stay warm through the winter months.

BHFLHN Chief Executive Officer Bronwyn Masters welcomed the collaboration.

“It’s great to see these trees being used in the community,” Ms Masters said.

“I thank both the Macclesfield RSL and Mount Barker District Council for collaborating with us to reach such a positive outcome.

“The ANZAC Memorial Gardens are a key part of the community, and we’re glad our donation will keep it healthy for years to come. We remain committed to ensuring tree coverage at the new Mount Barker Hospital is stronger than ever, with additional trees to be planted as part of the redevelopment.”

Mount Barker District Council Mayor David Leach echoed those sentiments.

“This is a great outcome and I’m pleased we were able to help make it happen,” Mayor Leach said.

“We know our community values our natural environment, so it’s good to see the removed vegetation helping to keep our parks and gardens healthy. I’m thrilled the community was able to work together to ensure we could make something positive happen in this space.”

President of the Macclesfield RSL Sub Branch Dennis Oldenhove said members were proud to give the trees a new purpose.

“Once we heard these trees needed to be removed, our members believed we could be part of the solution,” Mr Oldenhove said.

“This donation will benefit us and the community in a number of ways, and I thank both BHFLHN and the Council for helping us turn our idea into reality.

“Our garden volunteers are thrilled with the donation and can’t wait to use the mulch. We’re also looking forward to helping locals keep warm during the winter months.

“We hope to give the community solace that the trees are back on consecrated land and helping us honour those who served our country.”

The Macclesfield ANZAC Memorial Garden is a volunteer-run space that includes a dedicated ashes scattering garden, commemorative service areas, walking trails, native plantings, therapeutic gardens and monuments that honour Australia’s servicemen and women. Mulching plays a vital role in maintaining the site.

BHFLHN has confirmed that mulch from further tree removals as the redevelopment progresses will also be donated to the Macclesfield RSL and the Duck Flat Community Garden, continuing the project’s legacy of community benefit and environmental stewardship.