Four grandchildren of war hero and former mayor Alban Charles Elliot have reflected about their grandfather’s contribution to Port Macquarie.
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The family get together on February 6 brought together Peter Thomson from the US, Lynette Godden from England, Gill Homan from Brisbane and Port Macquarie’s Ian Thomson.
They visited sites of family significance including the two streets at Town Beach named in honour of their grandfather and their grandparents’ former house.
Port Macquarie’s David King, who owns the house, learnt about Mr Elliot’s achievements in a search for answers about his house’s history.
David started a push for Mr Elliot to be recognised in the community.
“When David bought the house and he reached out and contacted us, it brought out the fact our grandfather had never been truly recognised in Port Macquarie for his service to the town,” Peter said.
Two roads – Alban Place and Elliot Way – have since been named in honour of Port Macquarie’s longest serving mayor and also noting his distinguished military career and broader community contribution.
“We are really appreciative of the efforts of the council,” Peter said.
“The former mayor Peter Besseling really led that drive for us and and the current council picked it up.
“We are really appreciative of naming the two streets after our grandfather.”
Peter said they had fond childhood memories of Port Macquarie.
“Port Macquarie has meant a lot to us all as a family,” he said.
The family is hopeful two plinths will be added near the John Oxley Memorial overlooking Town Beach – one in honour of John Oxley and the other explaining the significance of Alban Place and Elliot Way.
Mr Elliot unveiled the John Oxley Memorial.
The family members also enjoyed morning tea at the CWA tea rooms as their grandmother Fanny was the founding president of the CWA branch.
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