HONORING LOCAL LILYDALE VETERANS

Intrapac Property, in conjunction with Yarra Ranges Council and the Lilydale District Historical Society, are proud that Kinley will permanently honour thirteen local veterans by naming streets in their memory.

The names were selected based on their contribution to the community and their efforts serving in the Great War and in World War Two.  Chosen in consultation with the local RSL branch, the names have been endorsed by the respective armed forces and details the individuals service number, full name and badge that they served for.  

Some of the veterans honoured include Fredrick Axford who worked at the Cave Hill Quarry and Lindsay Cunningham, a foundation member of the Lilydale RSL sub-branch. 

“The street names are a way of paying tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the Anzacs and educating the community about their stories” said Intrapac CEO Maxwell Shifman. “It’s an important part of our history and Kinley is proud to showcase these individuals and honour them for generations to come. We thank everyone involved in this important project especially The Lilydale District Historical Society who have been key to bringing this idea to fruition.”  

Sue Thompson from the society lead the research and has provided in-depth information, some of which is over 120 years old to be able to tell the stories of eleven of the thirteen servicemen chosen. “We are extremely grateful to have been part of the project to honour our local veterans at Kinley” she said. “Anzac Day is now more than a commemoration of the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. It also honours all those who have served in all conflicts and peacekeeping operations, and it brings the community together to reflect and celebrate the lifestyle we enjoy today”  

Kinley continues to look forward to strengthening community relationships and is dedicated to delivering a high quality, authentic neighbourhood that enhances the local area.  Kinley reflects the essence of Lilydale’s long-established history while delivering a new community character and amenity for more than 3,000 families.  

Six of the street signs are now installed and can be viewed when visiting Kinley.  

A synopsis of the veterans honoured is detailed below. Lest we forget.

Axford Way

Frederick Axford

Frederick Axford was the son of George Thomas Laura Edith (Thurrowgood) Axford and was born at Kew, VIC on July 29, 1912.  

 In 1937 Frederick resided on Market Street, Lilydale and his occupation given as a Carter. He later enlisted in World War II. In 1940 he married Elsie Jean Rogerson and later enlisted Service No 146671. Fred and Elsie had four children a boy Barrie Robert who was born on December 1, 1941 and three well-loved daughters. Sadly, Barrie passed away on July 28, 1944. 

 After his war services Frederick returned to Lilydale where he was a Carter and Later Driver, working at Cave Hill Quarries.  

 He passed away on November 4, 1967 aged 67 years and is interred in Lilydale Cemetery.  Elsie passed away in 2010. 

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Gallagher Crescent

Alexander Amos Gallagher  

Alexander Gallagher was born at Brunswick on March 13, 1910, the eldest son of William Auty and Louisa Emma (Simpson) Gallagher.  

Gallagher enlisted in the army June 15, 1940 at which time he was married to Margaret Oliver Gallagher and they lived in Melbourne Road, Lilydale, Service No VX33998. His occupation at the time of enlisting was a motor truck driver, using his skills during World War II becoming a driver for the Survey Corps serving in Africa, New Guinea and the islands. When discharged on November 24, 1945 he held the rank of Sergeant.  

Gallagher later divorced and moved to Queensland where he remarried and died June 18, 1992 aged 82 years.  

He is interred at Holland Park, Queensland. 

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Cowles Crescent 

William John Cowles  

William John Cowles born July 6, 1908, in England to Thomas Cowles and Elizabeth Ann (Crook).  

 William was a laborer living in Anderson St in Lilydale and married Vera Ethel Brown in 1936. When he enlisted in the Army he was a Lime Drawer at Cave Hill Quarries.  William was in the 24/39 Battalion and discharged on July 20, 1946. Service No V40581.  On return from war from 1949-1963 his profession was a chemist in Lilydale. Vera and William welcomed a son, who also became and soldier, the family lived on Anderson St, Lilydale. 

William died November 2, 1965 and is buried in the Lilydale Cemetery. 

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Cunningham Road

Lindsay Charles Cunningham 

Lindsay Charles Cunningham was born June 11, 1911, in North Melbourne. His parents were John Francis Cunningham and Mildred Isobel (Spice).  He was a truck driver living on Main St Lilydale and married Marian Brenda (Fisher) in 1937, before enlisting in the Royal Australia Air Force on January 31, 1944. Service No. 147013. He was discharged March 1, 1946 and continued living in Lilydale on Castella St.  Lindsay had four children Elaine, Valda, Patricia and Colin.  

He was a foundation member of the Lilydale RSL sub-branch and was a brilliant sportsman, especially in cricket and football. 

Lindsay died on April 1, 1959 as a result of injuries received in an accident at Ferntree Gully Quarry and is buried in Lilydale Memorial Park. 

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Gallivan Circuit 

Joseph Gallivan 

Joseph Thomas Gallivan was born February 11, 1921.   His parents were Thomas and Margaret (Maloney) Gallivan where they lived on Swansea Road, Lilydale.  Gallivan worked at the lime kilns when he enlisted for World War II on March 18, 1941, service number VX104439.  He was a Private in the 24th Australian Inventory and was discharged April 1, 1946.  

Joseph died in 1979 at the age of 57. 

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Parker Drive 

Robert Leslie Parker  

Robert Leslie Parker worked at the Cave Hill Quarry before his service in World War II. Parker enlisted as a private for the Australian Military Forces on 25 February 1943 under service number VX135182. He was discharged on 12 October 1944.

Upon returning from World War II Parker married Edna and worked for the Board of Works.  

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