News

Local war hero honoured with plaque

By Abby Green

Nov 13, 2026

The Bourchier family with state Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe, candidate for Shepparton Shane Sali and Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy. Photo by Supplied

The Bourchier name holds great significance for the Strathmerton community, with Sir Murray Bourchier remembered for leading the Battle of Beersheba in 1917.

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Sir Murray grew up on a farm just outside Strathmerton and, four generations later, his family is still farming in the same place.

He enlisted in the Light Horse Brigade in Numurkah during World War I and led the charge at the historic Battle of Beersheba.

In 2017, a tree was planted in his honour to mark the centenary of the battle and, on Sunday, November 1, this year, a plaque was unveiled at the site, officially recognising the significance of the tree.

The unveiling was attended by the extended Bourchier family and wider community, along with state Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe, Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy and Shepparton candidate Shane Sali.

A plaque has been installed beside a tree planted in 2017, in remembrance of Sir Murray Bouchier. Photo by Supplied

Strathmerton Lions Club member Murray Hodgson said installing the plaque was important to ensure the story behind the tree was not forgotten.

“On the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Beersheba, which was in 2017, a commemorative tree was planted, but no-one ever put a plaque there,” he said.

Following the unveiling, the Strathmerton Lions Club provided afternoon tea, giving family members and locals an opportunity to come together.

The plaque is just one part of a broader effort to honour Sir Murray’s legacy.

Last year, the club proposed building a memorial featuring a metal silhouette of Sir Murray on horseback, with his name displayed across the base.

While the project has experienced some delays, the club is hoping to have the memorial installed by the end of October next year, in time for the 110th anniversary.