The WW1 Barellan Memorial Avenue was established when trees were planted on the 27/8/1920, to commemorate those from the district, fallen in WW1.
One of many preparations beforehand, included community fundraising, to help establish the trees. Returned soldiers had already been busy preparing the selected site, opposite the railway on the north side of Yapunyah Street.
Narandera Argus and Riverina Advertiser (NSW : 1893 – 1953), 30 July 1920, page 5
Barellan
Memorial Trees. – On Friday afternoon last the avenue opposite the railway on the north side of Yapunyah Street was a busy place. No fuss was made, but a number of ladies, relatives of the district men who had fallen in the late war, planted some 40 trees in their memory. The ground had been made ready by returned men, comrades of the departed ones, and after the planting was over afternoon tea was provided for the workers by the Barellan ladies. The sodlier’s concert in the evening was a great success, and those who worked it up have reason for pride at the success which attended their efforts. The only hitch was the delay in starting the concert. This was due to the car from Narandera with the artists aboard bogging whilst giving a helping hand to a fellow car they caught in trouble. However, a gallant effort was made to keep the audience in good trim, local talent being made the best use of, and though it was after 9 o’clock when the bogged ones got in, they received a tumultuous welcome. The artists all did splendidly and their presence and efforts were valued and appreciated by both audience and the Soldiers’ Association. A dance was the succeeding item to the concert, though rather crowded for comfort, the crowding did not interfere with the enjoyment. The ladies looked to the catering, and right well did their part. Messrs. Hankinson and McPherson of Narandera, spoke at the Soldiers’ Concert on the matter of the Peace Loan, and some £500 was promised in the hall. The bad times and seasons experienced here are against the big result we previously achieved, still there will be no ground unworked to gather in all that may be available.
Football. – Barellan were beaten by Kamarah on the latter’s ground by 51 to 29.
Narandera Argus and Riverina Advertiser (NSW : 1893 – 1953), Friday 3 September 1920, page 1
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Despite the existing plaque describing the Pepper Trees (Schinus molle) as being the species planted for the WW1 Barellan Memorial Avenue, oral histories from some of the district’s senior citizens, declare otherwise.
Their claims are substantiated by a newspaper report, which clearly states the Pepper trees established along the north side of Yapunyah Street (in front of the silos), were planted in 1935 as part of general ‘streetscaping’.
Narandera Argus and Riverina Advertiser (NSW : 1893 – 1953), 26 November 1935, page 4
