The O’Connell Memorial Avenue is a living war memorial. It is dedicated to those servicemen and women from the local community who served during the First World War.  Of the thirty-six men and women of O’Connell who enlisted, ten were killed.

The project was inaugurated in March 1925 and was officially opened by Field Marshall Lord Allenby in January 1926.  Mr Eddie Gornall, the president of the O’Connell Progress Association, and a group of men and women of the community planted the trees.  Mr Gornall is recognised as being the last Australian to leave Gallipolli.

The Memorial has continuing relevance as it commemorates the contribution and, in some cases, supreme sacrifice of those who served in World War I, including relatives of current members of the O’Connell community.

People in the local community are very concerned that the Memorial Avenue is under threat.  The Oberon Council and the RTA are planning to upgrade the road and the Council has supported a proposal to remove half the original trees.

The message from the community action group is:

1. •  Create a Safe Memorial Avenue
   

2. •  Retain and maintain the original trees
   

3. •  Reduce the speed limit & upgrade the road