The O’Connell ANZAC Memorial Avenue is a living war memorial.

It is dedicated to the men and women from O’Connell and district who served during the First World War.

The O’Connell Memorial Avenue is located on O’Connell Rd which is the main road from Oberon to Bathurst. It passes through the area of O’Connell that was the hub of activity and development from the early days, commencing with the naming of O’Connell by George William Evans on December 6th, 1813.

The O’Connell ANZAC Avenue of honour consists of 120 Desert Ash trees (Fraxinus augustifoliar) planted between 1925 and 1927. It was officially opened by distinguished British Commander, Field Marshall Lord Edmund Allenby on 25th January, 1926.

The Western Times, January 30,1926, reported: ‘the drive is O’Connell’s lasting tribute to its brave men in the Great War, and it will keep evergreen their memory and chivalrous deeds.’

The project was the initiative of the men and women the O’Connell community. Dances and musical events were held to raise funds for the commemorative cause undertaken by the O’Connell Progress Association, led by its President, Mr Edgar Gornall who was recognised as the last Australian soldier to leave Gallipoli.

The O’Connell ANZAC Memorial Avenue is of rare historical significance as it is one of only a few surviving First World War Memorial Avenues in rural NSW.

Many Avenues of honour were planted nationwide, particularly in Australian rural communities dealing with the devastating loss of young men and women. This response to the tragedy of the Great War was largely an Australian phenomenon.

Trees have long been symbols of life, growth and resilience. Thus, the planting of trees to create a memorial is a meaningful and picturesque lasting tribute.

The O’Connell ANZAC Memorial Avenue is believed to be the only memorial avenue planted with Desert Ash, which is native to northern Africa and southern Europe, the areas where the troops fought.

The trees were raised from seed imported from the Middle East by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, and grown at the Bathurst Experimental Farm. Desert Ash trees were chosen for their hardiness and links to World War 1 battle sites.

The Avenue is a key element within the O’Connell Conservation Area and links several groups of historic buildings within the area. As an item, the Avenue is the predominant element of the cultural and physical landscape within the O’Connell Valley which is recognised as a scenic cultural landscape.

The high branches of the towering mature trees of the living war memorial connect each with each other to form an arch resembling a cathedral. This symbol of grandeur and honour is deeply significant to the community of O’Connell and district.