Strathewen Reserve

Located on Chadds Creek Road, Strathewen Reserve is a valued community recreation space that provides opportunities for sport, connection and remembrance.

The reserve features a grass sporting oval, a pavilion, a playground and facilities for the local tennis club, supporting a range of community and sporting activities throughout the year.

Strathewen Reserve occupies a special place in the history of the local community. The township of Strathewen was among the areas most severely affected by the Black Saturday bushfires of 7 February 2009, which resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction throughout the district. Strathewen Reserve is also home to the Community Bushfire Memorial, a significant place of reflection and remembrance. The memorial incorporates the iconic Blacksmith's Tree, a powerful symbol of resilience and recovery following the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.

Today, Strathewen Reserve continues to serve as both a recreation hub and a place of remembrance, reflecting the strength, spirit and enduring connection of the Strathewen community.

Peter Avola Memorial Pavilion

The Peter Avola Memorial Pavilion is the main community facility at Strathewen Reserve, providing a central gathering place for local sporting clubs, community events and social activities. Named in honour of Peter Avola, the pavilion serves as an important community hub and reflects the strong volunteer spirit and resilience of the Strathewen community.

Located adjacent to the sporting oval and tennis facilities, the pavilion supports a range of recreation and community uses throughout the year with social and meeting spaces for community gatherings.

Strathewen Community Bushfire Memorial

The Strathewen Community Bushfire Memorial is a significant place of remembrance located within Strathewen Reserve. Developed following the devastating Black Saturday bushfires of 7 February 2009, the memorial was created through a collaborative process involving the Strathewen community, local government and support organisations to provide a space for reflection, healing and commemoration.

The memorial honours those who lost their lives, acknowledges the experiences of survivors, and recognises the efforts of emergency service personnel, volunteers and supporters who assisted the community during and after the disaster. Through its design, the memorial captures the community's journey from loss and grief to recovery, hope and renewal.

The Blacksmiths' Tree

A distinctive feature of the memorial is the Blacksmith's Tree, a nearly 10-metre-high stainless steel and copper sculpture created by hundreds of blacksmiths from Australia and around the world. Installed in Strathewen in 2014, the artwork serves as a powerful symbol of resilience, regeneration and the enduring strength of communities affected by the Black Saturday bushfires.

Today, the Strathewen Community Bushfire Memorial stands as both a place of quiet reflection and a lasting tribute to the courage, resilience and community spirit that emerged from one of Victoria's most significant natural disasters.

Playground

Currently, the playground contains a freestanding slide, climbing net, double swing and spring rocker (all installed in 2010). Musical elements were installed 2020.

This playground has been included as part of our 2026-27 Playground Renewal and Upgrade Program. For more information, visit the Strathewen Reserve playground renewal page.