A permanent exhibition is open at the Camden Haven Museum, telling the story of the memorial trees planted in Laurieton in 1916 as the first local lads went off to war.
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Now known as the Avenues of Honour, the trees were the first such plantings in the British Commonwealth, said Camden Haven Historical Society president Phillip Bowman.
After the Laurieton trees, other countries in the Commonwealth followed suit, although ours will remain distinct as the plantings were laid in the shape of a cross along Bold and Laurie Streets.
“The 100th anniversary of the first planting of an “Avenue of Honour” in the British Commonwealth is something for the people of the Camden Haven to be proud of,” Mr Bowman said.
“But the fact that only 33 of the 157 trees planted remain is of some concern. At present the Camden Haven Historical Society has an application with council for the trees and their precinct to be listed on the National Heritage List.
“Future moves are for a Plan of Management to be drawn up for the existing trees and the Avenues of Honour Precinct. Included in the plan will be provision for a suitable replacement tree to replace trees that have already been removed and the remaining trees as they die or become unsafe.”
Mr Bowman said it is hoped that public celebrations of the Avenues of Honour will occur in 2018 during the closing celebrations for the end of World War 1.
Mayor Peter Besseling and Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams were on hand to see the exhibition.
“This story isn’t well known and it’s a challenge to try and bring these important stories to modern day people to understand the Camden Haven’s cultural history,” Councillor Besseling said.
Mrs Williams said she hoped all the community would come to understand the story of the memorial trees.
“It’s a significant story and we should celebrate it. To think we had the first planting in the Commonwealth is amazing,” she said.
Cr Besseling said the submission by Phillip Bowman on behalf of the historical society, for the future management of the trees would be taken on board.
“The council will look at how we can preserve the history of the trees and ensure much of the original cross is preserved into the future,” he said.
“Obviously there are challenges with the services underground and footpaths etc which weren’t there 100 years ago and are damaged as a result of the growth of the trees. Making a start for a longer term plan is a great idea and something council fully supports.
“It’s part of the fabric of Laurieton and was a mark of respect for those who fought in the war and we always need to remember that and preserve those memories wherever possible.”
The Camden Haven Museum in the School of Arts, 58 Bold Street (opposite the Plaza Theatre) is at present open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 9am and 1pm. Entry $2.50 adults; children free. New members are needed and most welcome. Contact the Phillip Bowman on 0408 11 33 13 or email camdenhavenmuseum@yahoo.com.au or Facebook @camdenhavenmuseum