Walk through a valuable history lesson at new-look Avenue of Honour in Samford

THE finishing touches are being put on a new Avenue of Honour which will become the central point of Anzac centenary celebrations for a Brisbane community.

Samford RSL members who helped with the erection of the pillars in the Samford Avenue of Honour. Artist jamie Maclean, (Samford valley) with building work going on around him.

EVERYTHING has its place in Samford’s Avenue of Honour, with each element of the almost-complete project selected with care and intent, ready for its unveiling on April 25.

There are 20 advanced hoop pines over 6m tall — planted to honour the sacrifices of 20 local servicemen in both world wars and the Korean conflict — complementing the 80 additional smaller trees, bringing the total to 100 trees to mark the centenary.

Project manager Mark Orreal said there had been three years of planning and community input.

“We wanted to make it a really augmented community project,” he said.

Samford RSL helped with the erection of the pillars in the Samford Avenue of Honour.

“People can use this pathway to reflect, remember our fallen and look to our future,” Mr Orreal said.

Samford RSL sub-branch member Ken Cullen, who served in the army for 23 years, said walking through the avenue was like “walking through history”.

The memorial being constructed at the highest point of the avenue is the final stage to be completed.

When finished it will feature 20 pillars in a semi circle formation, representing the bayonets and swords depicted on the Australian Rising Sun badge.

To commemorate 100 years since the Anzac landing at Gallipoli, and recognise the sacrifices of those men and women who have served out country since WWI, Quest Community Newspapers will publish one story each day online in the lead-up to Anzac Day.

Samford community artist Jamie Maclean said symbolism was behind every aspect of the design.

“I had to crunch some numbers, but when it all came together, it was like a light bulb moment,” he said.

More than 3000 people are expected at the Avenue of Honour on Anzac Day. The march from the soccer fields begins at 7.20am.

The Samford Avenue of Honour will be officially opened by Federal Liberal MP Peter Dutton (Dickson), followed by the Anzac commemoration ceremony.

One of the plaques along Samford’s Avenue of Honour.

Stage 1: Moreton Bay Regional Council constructed the 700m concrete pathway from Burton Lane to the Soccer Field precinct.

Stage 2: Planted the 20 advanced hoop pine trees

Stage 3: Planted remaining 80 trees, equalling 100.

Stage 4: Memorial to be finished by April 12.

THIS story is part of Quest Community Newspapers’ 100 Years, 100 Days, 100 Stories project, which will profile Queensland WWI heroes and families as the nation builds up to the centenary of the Allied landing on Gallipoli on April 25, 1915.

If you have the details and war record of a family member who served during WWI, let us know on our Facebook page or email [e-mail]

Originally published as Walk through a valuable history lesson at new-look Avenue of Honour in Samford