Anzac Avenue Memorial Trees facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Anzac Avenue Memorial Trees |
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Anzac Avenue Memorial Trees, 2007
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| Location | Anzac Avenue, Beerburrum, Sunshine Coast Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1919–1930s (interwar period) |
| Built | 1920 |
| Official name: Anzac Avenue Memorial Trees | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 16 October 2008 |
| Reference no. | 602678 |
| Significant period | 1920– |
| Significant components | memorial – tree/avenue of trees |
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The Anzac Avenue Memorial Trees are a special group of trees in Beerburrum, Australia. They were planted in 1920 to remember soldiers who died in World War I. These trees are now listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, which means they are an important part of Queensland's history.
Contents
A Special Avenue of Trees
The Anzac Avenue Memorial Trees are found on Anzac Avenue in Beerburrum. This street was once the main road of the Beerburrum Soldier Settlement. The trees were planted in 1920, and the street was renamed Anzac Avenue. This was done to honour the soldiers who had died, especially those who were comrades of the soldier settlers living there.
How Soldier Settlements Began
After World War I, the Queensland government wanted to help soldiers who had returned home. They looked for empty land where these soldiers could start new lives as farmers. The idea was to help them grow fruits, vegetables, raise chickens, or keep bees.
The first big area chosen for this was near the Beerburrum railway station. This land was mostly dry forest and open land. In 1916, the land was given back to the Queensland government to create a soldier settlement. This area stretched from Beerburrum to Glass House Mountains and beyond. The Beerburrum Soldier Settlement became the largest of about two dozen settlements in Queensland. Around 2,500 returned soldiers settled on land across Queensland, with at least 400 of them coming to Beerburrum.
Starting the Beerburrum Settlement
Work began right away to survey the land. Beerburrum was chosen as the main centre because of its good soil and water. The land was divided into smaller plots, usually about 20 to 40 acres each. The goal was to make sure each soldier got a good piece of land for farming.
An experienced pineapple farmer, Joseph Rose, was put in charge. An experimental farm was set up to teach soldiers how to grow tropical crops like pineapples.
Rules for Soldier Settlers
Under a law passed in 1917, soldiers could apply for land. If they were successful, they had to pay a small rent. They also had to live on their land for at least five years. For the first ten years, they could only transfer their land to another returned soldier. After ten years, they were free to transfer it to anyone. This law helped soldiers from Australia, Britain, and other Allied countries.
Early Days of the Settlement
The first land was given out in November 1916. By July 1917, 28 soldiers had received land. They had cleared some land and planted pineapples and oranges. Houses were built, and farms were fenced. The government also built important facilities like a general store, a blacksmith shop, a school, and a hospital.
By January 1919, 96 soldier settlers lived in Beerburrum, and this number grew to 175 by July. With their families, the population was about 400 people. The government continued to build more houses and services for the growing community.
Planting the Memorial Trees
In April 1919, the local soldiers' league decided to plant "an avenue of trees" on the main road. They wanted to create a lasting memorial for Anzac Day.
Many memorials were built across Australia after World War I. This was because so many soldiers had died overseas. Memorials took many forms, like parks, honour drives, and avenues of trees. They were often placed in important spots where people could gather for ceremonies.
In 1920, the main street of Beerburrum was widened and paved. A 27-foot wide strip in the middle was ploughed and planted with trees. The first tree was planted by General William Birdwood. He also named the street Anzac Avenue. School children helped plant many of the trees, including weeping figs, Washingtonia palms, and pine trees. This project was finished just in time for a visit from the Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VIII) in August.
The local soldiers' league raised money to build a fence around the trees. A flagstaff was also placed in the centre of the memorial.
Challenges and Decline
The Beerburrum Soldier Settlement was at its busiest in 1921, with about 1,200 people. However, many settlers soon left. The soil was poor, and pineapple prices were low, making it hard for them to earn a living. By June 1923, 200 people had left Beerburrum. Businesses closed, and the government began to reduce its staff.
A report in 1924 said that the Beerburrum Settlement was unlikely to be very successful. By June 1928, only 75 soldier settlers remained. Some tried growing eggs, vegetables, or watermelons to survive. When the scheme officially ended in 1929, only 69 soldier settlers were left.
Of the original 38 trees planted, only 13 remain today. Other trees have been planted over the years, including some native Australian trees in 1968 to celebrate the Beerburrum State School's 50th anniversary. The original fence around the memorial is no longer there.
What the Trees Look Like Today
The Anzac Avenue Memorial Trees today include 13 trees: one pine, seven camphor laurels, and five fig trees. They are planted in a line down the middle of Anzac Avenue. The spaces between the trees vary, showing that some original trees have died or been removed. For example, the palm trees seen in old photos are no longer there.
Most of the trees are very old and likely from the original planting. However, three camphor laurels in the middle are smaller, suggesting they replaced older trees that died. There is also a group of 11 younger trees planted in 1968 to celebrate the Beerburrum State School's Golden Jubilee.
In 2008, signs were put up to tell the story of the Beerburrum Soldier Settlement. These signs are located on the median strip among the trees.
Why These Trees Are Important
The Anzac Avenue Memorial Trees are listed on the Queensland Heritage Register because they are very important to Queensland's history.
- Showing History's Path: The planting of these trees and the renaming of Anzac Avenue in 1920 show how people in Queensland remembered and grieved for soldiers who died in World War I. Communities across Australia created memorials to honour those who were lost. These trees are also a reminder of the Beerburrum Soldiers' Settlement, which was the first and largest soldier settlement in Queensland. This scheme helped about 2,500 returned soldiers get land.
- Special Features of a Place: These trees are a type of "functional memorial." This means they are a memorial that also serves a purpose, like an avenue. They were placed in a very important spot – the main street of the Beerburrum Soldier Settlement – showing how central they were to the community.
- Connected to Important People: The Anzac Avenue Memorial Trees have a special connection to the Beerburrum Soldier Settlers. These soldiers suggested and created the memorial to honour their fallen friends. From 1916, at least 400 returned soldiers came to Beerburrum to try and become pineapple farmers, with help from the government.
See Also
- List of World War I memorials in Queensland
