After years of campaigning Shoalhaven City Council has voted to return the Avenue of Honour to Milton.
The new memorial will replace one originally planted in 1926 to honour the fallen servicemen of Milton who fought in World War 1 (WW1).
Milton’s original avenue consisted of 76 Camphor Laurel trees planted along both sides of the Princes Highway between Corks Lane and Thomas Street in 1926. Providing a lovely entrance to Milton when approaching from the north.
The Council work with the developers of Corks Lane Milton subdivision Adhleigh Developments to reinstall the ‘Milton Avenue of Honour’ by planting trees that will serve as a living monument.
The suggested area for planting this rededication of trees is on the Cork’s Lane subdivision link road to the Princes Highway just north of Mick Ryan Park where the remaining trees still grow.
Over the years, progress has largely eradicated these trees, with only some five trees still standing.
With the 100th Anzac anniversary just passed, Patrick Faulconer campaigned to honour these men and the locals who planted the memorial by creating a new Avenue Of Honour in Milton with as many as 100 trees.
Patrick said he would love to see the town come together as a community to achieve something of major significance.
Patrick has been considering the Flame Tree as tree of choice, as it is local and hardy.
Patrick said it would be great if a local name was associated with every tree planted.
“It’s very moving when you associate a name to each tree,” he said.
“An Avenue of Honour gives you a sense of numbers and the trees represent soldiers, standing there on parade.
“There’s a really big message behind this.”
In total, 530 Avenues of Honour were planted around Australia after WW1, many in different stages of disrepair. Three of these are in the Shoalhaven region at Milton, Berry and Nowra.
The Rotary and the Lions clubs of Milton/Ulladulla support the initiative and are prepared to offer some financial support towards the re-dedication of the Avenue of Honour.
