Avenue of Honour opens in Sunshine in time for Anzac Day centenary

ALMOST 60 years since the last one was removed due to vandalism, Sunshine once again has an avenue of honour.

The official opening of the avenue of honour in Sunshine.

HUNDREDS gathered in the Kevin Wheelahan gardens for the official opening of Sunshine’s avenue of honour.

The avenue is dedicated to the men and women from the Sunshine area who fought in World War I, with plaques recognising these soldiers’ contributions to the Australian war effort.

The opening, held yesterday morning, also served as an Anzac service with Gellibrand Federal Labor MP Tim Watts delivering the Anzac Requiem, and Sunshine RSL president David Twidle citing the ode.

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“This avenue of honour will be an enduring legacy for Sunshine, beautifying open space is a very important and this is something that families can enjoy for many years to come,” Mr Watts said.

“It’s important to remember that Anzac is a living legacy.

“While the Anzacs that landed at Anzac Cove started this legacy a hundred years ago the reality is that there are servicemen serving today in that same tradition and they deserve that same recognition and respect as all those who have served Australia.”

RELATED:Tribute proposed for World War I soldiersSunshine did previously have an Avenue of Honour, which was planted in the Sun Crescent area around 1917. For the project, Sunshine’s “founding father” and industrialist Hugo Victor McKay donated 152 cypress trees which bore plates with the name of a soldier on each one.

But the avenue was removed in 1956 after it was subjected to vandalism and “poor planning”, according to a document unearthed by the historical society.

The new avenue was funded between the ANZAC centenary local grants program, Brimbank Council, the Sunshine RSL, the Sunshine Historical Society, Sunshine Lions and Sunshine Rotary.

Of those in attendance, the vast majority were schoolchildren, with Sunshine Historical Society spokesman Alan Dash saying it was the largest gathering of Years 5-6 students ever in Sunshine.

School children and Brimbank’s administrators with wreathes.

The last post.

Guest speakers included actor Kevin Harrington, St Albans state Labor MP Natalie Suleyman and Brimbank Chair of Administrators John Watson, who all commended the school children on their interest and behaviour.

“It’s very important for children to actually understand the legacy that’s been left from what happened in World War I,” Ms Suleyman said

“We owe it to the younger generation to continue that tradition and most importantly encourage our younger generation to participate.”

A memorial garden was also officially opened next to the avenue of honour.

Mr Twidle said the RSL had been pushing for the garden and although it is not 100 per cent finished, it will also play a part in honouring our fallen Anzacs.