Memorial gardens a tribute to soldiers

PROUD Narre Warren North locals joined more than 100 other community members in witnessing the opening of the Soldier Settler Memorial Garden last Saturday.
The official unveiling was a proud moment for the many hard-working volunteers who helped coordinate the establishment of the World War I memorial.
The garden, at the corner of Fox Road and McKenzie Lane, is a tribute to the seven World War I veterans and their partners who first farmed the Narre Warren North area.
Bob Street, son of Digger Arthur Street and his wife Lila, was one of the people involved in the four-year project to get the memorial established.
Mr Street explained to the crowd the significant history of the area.
“It certainly was a proud moment,” he said.
“I spoke about the more intimate details of the soldier settlers.”
Mr Street moved with his family to the 14-acre block in 1939.
The site, which is now Mary MacKillop Primary School, was mainly used as farming land for cattle and poultry.
The other soldier settlers were: Thomas and Annie Edwards, Edward and May Ivens, Leslie and Mary Lowry, John and Kathleen Rogers, Alfred and Sarah Sherriff and Francis and Jessie Stephenson.
Casey mayor Janet Halsall and councillor Rob Wilson were also involved in the opening.