Newstead resident Lesley Dooley moved to the region six years ago. Her property overlooks the Avenue of Honour which serves as a reminder of the 83 local men who served in the first world war, not just a tribute to those who died, but to those who lived. The trees, which were planted in 1919, were once marked with plaques naming the men, but they were lost a long time ago.
“When I first saw the avenue I was blown away,” Lesley said.
Late last year Lesley decided to take action and ensure the memory of the Anzacs from Newstead lives on, enlisting the help of local council and community to provide funding. The Newstead Rural Transaction Centre have generously offered $1000 towards the cause, Cr Matthew Driscoll has committed his support and the Newstead Men’s Shed have agreed to help with painting the back of the plaques.
Lesley has approached Ian at Tate’s Ironworks who said the whole project will come in at $10,000.
“It will be a simple design using a steel plaque, using laser cutting with the name, rank, service and a simple cross,” Lesley stated.
“There were 83 trees planted initially but at present there are only 79 trees so we will need to do something about that too.”
Lesley has located the names of the 83 in a historical research book and is hoping that the families of those who served might like to place their family plaques once they are made.
“I feel really privileged to live here and I feel as though I’ve sort of become their friend.”
The list of names are published on page 24 in this edition of the Castlemaine. If anyone is interested in finding out more please contact Lesley Dooley on 0419 673 807.