If you didn't get your vote in, visit the VEC website to find out what happens next.
VEC website
Year: 2022 Location: 160 Chadds Creek Road, Strathewen
While there are a number of significant public memorials in Nillumbik, The Blacksmiths' Tree is unique as a memorial artwork of unusual scale and elegance. It commemorates the communities that suffered through the Black Saturday fires across Nillumbik and beyond.
The forged metal tree is a memorial to the people who lost their lives in the bushfires of 7 February 2009. It also honours the tireless people who defended others and stands as a symbol of regeneration for the community. The tree was unveiled to the public at a ceremony in Whittlesea on 30 November 2013.
The Australian Blacksmiths Association (Vic) undertook to forge the trunk and branches of the tree and attach each leaf. The tree is made of stainless steel and the leaves and branches are TIG welded or brazed. Leaves are made of stainless steel or copper.
The Blacksmiths' Tree is an extraordinary piece of community art and has been developed as a gift to all communities impacted by the bushfires of 7 February 2009. In the early stages of its development the Blacksmiths Association, after discussion with other affected communities, considered that the Strathewen community would be a special location for the Tree and an offer was made and accepted by the Strathewen Community Renewal Association on behalf of the community.