Hamley Bridge’s “Tribute Trees” tower once more
Published 17th May 2018
| 17 May 2018 |
Council is looking after some very special trees
Rows of trees honouring Hamley Bridge’s service men and women have taken center stage once again after Wakefield Regional Council completed works this week to remove feral vegetation that had overgrown and engulfed an important part of the town’s heritage.
A local resident brought the issue of the historic trees to Council’s attention through a customer request.
“It’s sad to see the trees hidden away like that,” the local resident said in his request. “The soldiers for whom the jacarandas were planted need to be remembered and honoured.”
Wakefield Mayor Rodney Reid praised the resident’s passion for local history and heritage, and agreed this was an important step towards preserving our past for future generations.
“We are looking after what was once an important part of Hamley Bridge’s identity, but we are also opening up and beautifying the entrance to this wonderful town,” Mayor Reid said.
“Planting these trees would have been a massive effort by the community at the time.”
Hamley Bridge resident and editor for Hamley Headlines Moreen Schroder said ‘Trees of Tribute’ – as the rows of trees were called - were planted in the streets from 1941 to 1943 in honour of district men and women serving in the fighting forces.
“Records show 37 jacarandas were planted in Gilbert Street in 1941 honouring 33 men and four groups including the Red Cross, Comforts Fund, Returned Soldiers League and the District Council of Owen.
“After 1942 Hamley Bridge became known more or less as a Jacaranda Town,” Ms Schroder said.
The overgrown vegetation, now removed, has since been mulched for use in public spaces. The ground has also been levelled so the area can be easily mowed and maintained in the future.
The works also allowed Balaklava High School student Rhys Simpson, who is currently undertaking a period of work experience with Council, to get amongst the action and learn important skills in horticulture.
“I’m really enjoying it here at Council,” Rhys said. “I’m learning a lot and have been challenging myself – and learning a lot about my local area.
“I would have had no idea these trees were so old but it feels good knowing that I am making a difference.”