The roads at Town Beach are proposed to be named Alban Place and Elliot Way in recognition of Alban Elliot, the area’s longest serving mayor and also noting his distinguished military career and broader community contribution.

Port Macquarie’s David King, who learnt about Mr Elliot’s achievements in a search for answers about his house’s history, is behind a push for Mr Elliot to be recognised in the community.

“For me, it has been an honour to be part of this achievement regarding the recognition of AC Elliot,” he said.

Mr King said we as Australians and community members will never be able to repay the debt to characters like the remarkable AC Elliot, but at the March council meeting, at least we made a small down payment.

“It is a small way of saying thank you,” he said.

Mr King said the road naming would lock in the history.

He recognised the support of mayor Peter Besseling and the councillors.

The council will advertise the name Alban Place for the road leading off Stewart Street along Town Beach to the breakwall area.

The name Elliot Way will be advertised for the road leading off Stewart Street to the Marine Rescue and Town Beach kiosk building and up to William Street.

Preliminary advice from the Geographical Names Board confirms it is likely to support the use of “Alban” and “Elliot” in the proposed road names.

The council report said the full proposed road names, Alban Place and Elliot Way, will be subject to formal assessment by the Geographical Names Board following public notification and the consideration of any submissions.

Cr Besseling cited Alban Elliot’s achievements from mayor to veteran of two world wars.

Mr Elliot was awarded a Military Cross at the battle of Polygon Wood in World War I for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, according to military records. 

Mr Elliot holds the title of the longest serving mayor in the Hastings, during which time his community involvement spanned from the surf club and golf club.

His mayoral role stretched from 1925 to 1936.

He was the first president of the Port Macquarie RSL Sub-branch.

Mr Elliot left Port Macquarie to take up a position at the Crown Solicitors office and enlisted to serve in World War II in 1941. 

He was later promoted to major and appointed to serve as a military judge.

Mr Elliot died in 1978.

Meanwhile, Port Macquarie author Malcolm Andrews, who is putting the finishing touches on a book about Alban Elliot, is keen to hear from anyone with anecdotes to contribute to the book.