Local Community Restores Forgotten Avenue and the Memory of Those Commemorated
During WW1, the sacrifice of so many young and cherished lives engaged in conflict far from home and loved ones created a huge impact on the small communities they left behind.
The little village of Mylor in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia, established only a few years earlier in 1891, no exception.
In the 1920s, 11 Oak trees were planted as an Avenue of Honour along a footpath, in memory of the 11 men from Mylor who gave their lives in the service of their country.
With the passage of time some of the trees had gone, as had all of the accompanying 11 plaques displaying the names of the servicemen. The surviving trees gave no indication they were a tribute to the sacrifice of those 11 men.
The Mylor History Group recognised this loss and developed plans to rejuvenate the Avenue and highlight its significance to the community. The work was finally completed in 2021, funded by a grant from Veterans SA and the assistance of the Adelaide Hills Council. Plaques for each individual are mounted on natural rock plinths. Two replacement trees are planted, restoring the integrity of this living memorial.
The WW1 Avenue of Honour was formally rededicated on the 18th February 2022, beneath the canopy of the row of 11 trees, attended by dignitaries, special guests, school children, members of the local community and representatives of 6 families related to those honoured.
More details can be found on the Avenues of Honour website.
Vale Brian Barker
Local community identity Brian Barker unfortunately passed away late in 2021 and wasn’t able to see the completion of the project he championed from 2013.
This plaque now commemorates his legacy alongside an ornamental pear tree he and his wife Leonie had previously planted at the nearby Mylor War Memorial.
