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Operation Burton
In 2021, a severe storm event in Victoria’s Central Highlands caused thousands of trees to fall on properties throughout the area. Numerous private properties remain strewn with fallen trees, which began to dry and become hazardous.
The Victorian State Government via the Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV) has provided funding to three councils, Hepburn Shire Council, Macedon Ranges Shire Council and Moorabool Shire Council to manage the clean-up program. This program was undertaken by Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) volunteers.
In response to
2021 Storm Activity
Location
Victorian Central Highlands
View map
Status
Complete
Dates
17 Apr 2023 – 18 May 2023
Victorian Central Highlands Storm Recovery
Area of Operations
Hepburn Shire Council, Macedon Ranges Shire Council and Moorabool Shire Council areas
Recovery Taskings for Operation Burton
As part of Operation Burton, DRA provided the following capabilities:
- Damage and impact assessments
- Chainsaw work and tree removal
The story behind the name
As part of its respect to military veterans, DRA names its relief operations after a local veteran in honour of their service to the community, and in turn ours.
Operation Budgen was named after Corporal Alexander Stewart Burton, who was born in Kyneton in 1893.
He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his action with 7th Battalion during the Battle of Lone Pine in Gallipoli.
Corporal Burton was killed on 9 August 1915 while gallantly rebuilding the barricade under a hail of bombs.
He has no known grave however is commemorated on the Lone Pine Memorial in Gallipoli and with an oak tree and bridge at Euroa, Victoria.
The fallen soldier also has an Avenue of Honour in Kyneton named after him. The Avenue can be found of the Eastern side of Kyneton near the Calder Highway.
Victorian Central Highlands Storm Recovery
DRA’s storm recovery operation in the Victorian Central Highlands
Get involved
Planning for upcoming operational deployments is now underway. If you are keen to participate or find out more, express your interest today.