Anzac Day is an important day in Australia and in our history as a Nation. While Australia achieved nationhood on January 1, 1901, we were still very much under British influence. The First World War (1914-1918) saw a major shift in our independence as a nation.

A sign outside the Daylesford Railway Station commemorates not only those who served in the armed forces but also the women who served as nurses at the warfront. Australian nurses numbering 2,286 provided tireless and devoted care and medical attention for the many wounded, shell-shocked, blind and mentally damaged soldiers. The sign also covers other important aspects such as Conscription.

Five local women are recorded on the sign as having been part of the Australian Army Nursing Service, most serving from July 1915 to November 1918.

At home many women joined the Red Cross as well as other organisations such as the Country Women’s Association to provide support not only during the war but also after it had ended because there were so many wounded soldiers, widowed women and fatherless children who needed help and support.

The commemorative sign was organised by Daylesford Rotary Club in 2013-14 with support from the Daylesford RSL, Daylesford & District Historical Society, Hepburn Shire Council and many others. Their contributions are recognised on the sign. Rosemary was planted around the site as a remembrance plant.

The nearby Daylesford Avenue of Honour was one of 132 Avenues of Honour that were planted as World War I Monuments. The Australian tradition of planting Avenues of Honour originated in the Victorian Goldfields region. Only 56 avenues have survived.

The original brass name plaques for each tree in the Daylesford Avenue of Honour disappeared long ago. Daylesford RSL has a Community Committee which has raised $18,000 for a new commemorative sign to be erected nearby to list the names of 160 people from the Daylesford region who made the ultimate sacrifice. The sign will ensure that the names of the fallen are properly recorded and remembered.

Some of the Avenue trees are struggling and a few have died as they have a limited lifespan. The local RSL and Council have been working with the Middleton Fields developer to bring in another avenue species which can live for more than 200 years. The new housing estate will incorporate many of these trees.

Discussions are continuing about the ongoing management of the Avenue of Honour.

Victor Szwed is a Daylesford resident and a member of Daylesford Rotary.