Memorial to honour Ashley Birt

GYMPIE'S Ashley Birt will be among the names on the Yungaburra Avenue of Honour, a memorial to pay tribute to the nation’s fallen from the war in Afghanistan.

Ashley Birt.

GYMPIE'S Ashley Birt will be among the names on the Yungaburra Avenue of Honour, a memorial to pay tribute to the nation's fallen from the war in Afghanistan.

Ashley was tragically killed in Afghanistan in 2011.

The State Government is pitching in up to $25,000 to finish the north Queensland memorial.

Local Government Minister David Crisafulli said when he heard earlier this week that the memorial still needed money to complete it, he wanted to do what he could.

"We kicked off the funding for the memorial with $30,000 last year, and we're proud to help finish the job with the last contribution," Mr Crisafulli said.

"Every day we do our best to give Queenslanders value for their money, and this memorial is no exception.

"It will not just be for servicemen and women and their families, but for all Australians who want to honour the sacrifices made in Afghanistan to keep this country safe.

"The Newman government is proud to do its bit to remember them."

The Avenue of Honour, which will open on June 22, is the vision of Gordon and Susan Chuck, the parents of Australian Commando Ben Chuck who was killed in action in Afghanistan on June 21, 2010.

"This isn't specifically about us or our son," Mr Chuck said.

"It's more about everything that Ben represented as a proud Australian soldier.

"It's a reminder of the sacrifices that are continually being made so we can all enjoy and retain the things that we hold so dear."