New cemetery drive to honour soldiers

A NEW driveway has been constructed within Gayndah cemetery and 20 Hoop Pine trees will be planted in recognition of the sacrifices made in World War I.

TRIBUTE: 20 Hoop Pines will be planted along the new Remembrance Drive to remember those who served in World War I. Picture: Felicity Ripper

A NEW driveway has been constructed within Gayndah cemetery and 20 hoop pine trees will be planted in recognition of the sacrifices of World War I servicemen and women.

During North Burnett Regional Council's most recent general meeting held in Eidsvold, council approved the naming of the newly constructed driveway as Remembrance Drive.

The trees, yet to be planted in preparation for Remembrance Day commemorations on November 11, were donated by the local community.

RSL Queensland's Gayndah Sub Branch announced an official opening of the drive will be held on Saturday, November 10 from 9am, and they will unveil a plaque dedicated to Gayndah locals who served in World War I.

Catered by the Country Women's Association, morning tea will be served at the RSL Hall followed by the opening of the RSL Memorial Hall Garden, on the northern side of the hall.

"In the evening there will be a formal dinner held at the Soldiers Memorial Hall for 150 invited guests,” Gayndah RSL president Boyd Baker said.

"The meal being served is similar to what was served to soldiers of the 49th Battalion on Saturday, March 23, 1918 in France, at that time they were probably about to resume hostilities.”

The guest speaker on the night will be Group Captain Guy Burton from the Royal Australian Air Force.

Mr Baker said it's important that the sacrifices made by Australian soldiers are never forgotten.

"There are kids at a school in France who still have a sign on the gate that reads 'Always Remember Australia' so it would be a tragedy if Australians themselves stopped remembering,” he said.

"Australia would be a vastly different place had our soldiers not fought for us and World War I ended differently.”