The trees planted as part of this living memorial are believed to be the earliest known planting in Brisbane of memorial trees dedicated to soldiers who died during the First World War. Adding to its significance is that it is also thought to be only the second such memorial planting in Australia. The memorial was created between September 1917 and August 1919 as an avenue of honour, linking Ipswich Road with Park Avenue, across parkland, and running east to west.
Originally, 96 trees were planted, commemorating 96 individuals from the surrounding Stephens Shire, who had served during the war and who had lost their lives. The original trees comprised weeping figs and flame trees and were planted in two stages, in September 1917 and August 1919. Commemorative plaques were also attached to small wooden posts located next to each individual tree, naming each person. Unfortunately, the majority of these original plaques no longer exist, however they have subsequently been replaced by small polished stone commemorative tablets. As well, not all the original trees have withstood the passage of time and a variety of palms and other trees have replaced those that have died since the original plantings.
At each end of the memorial avenue are sets of memorial gates, with dedications to those who served in different conflicts, from the First World War through to the Vietnam War.
This image, dating from 1921, shows the memorial gates located at the Ipswich Road entrance to the avenue of honour, which are more ornate than those located at the western or Park Avenue end of the tree lined avenue. There are two plaques on these eastern gates, with that on the left recording:
These gates were erected by the women of Stephens Shire in honour of the men who fought for them
and the plaque on the right recording:
This tablet is dedicated to the women workers of the Stephens Shire.
At the other end of the avenue, on the western gates, there is a specific World War One plague, recording:
These gates have been erected by the residents of Yeronga and district as a permanent reminder to those men and women of the suburb, who served in the Great War 1914 – 1919.
Yeronga State School holds a commemorative ceremony prior to each ANZAC Day, in conjunction with the local RSL and other service groups. Following this ceremony, the students, in association with veterans, move into the memorial avenue, standing at individual trees whilst the names of individual servicemen are read out, with floral tributes being laid. This is a long standing tradition which is highly regarded in the local community.
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