Officials in Western Australia have bowed to public pressure and changed the suffix of a street in a regional tourist town to honour the memory of two fallen World War I soldiers.
Christopher and Lancelot Andrews farmed on land south of Margaret River before both steamed off to join Imperial war efforts in 1914.
Christopher was killed serving with the Royal Marines at the Dardanelles, while Lancelot died in action on the Somme just three months before the war's end.
Earlier this year, a street on the outskirts of Margaret River was renamed Andrews Retreat to honour their memory, but it sparked an outcry from locals that the suffix was not indicative of the brothers' heroic deeds.
First petition fails the test
A spokesperson for the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River said the use of 'retreat' was a reflection of several short-term accommodation venues along the street, and the town's reputation as a tourist location.
An initial petition calling for the suffix to be changed from 'retreat' to 'way' was presented to the state's Geographical Names Committee (GNC) but rejected on the grounds that it did not meet regulatory requirements.
According to GNC regulations, road name changes (including the suffixes) were rare as road names are intended to be enduring and discouraged unless a "good reason for a change of name" was supplied.
The petition had been signed by relatives of the Andrews brothers, residents and business owners along the street, who quickly rallied the shire to resubmit the amended and necessary paperwork.
The change was approved by order of the Minister for Lands under Section 26 & 26A of the Land Administration Act 1997 on Monday and the signage will be changed at a date to be determined.
'Retreat' did not sit well
Viv Halsall, president of the Margaret River and Districts Historical Society, said while it was understood the initial choice of suffix had been well-intentioned, it did not "sit well" with those charged with preserving the memory of the town's fallen soldiers.
"The use of 'retreat' was inappropriate and it was important that it be corrected given the contribution the pair made to the town," Ms Halsall said.
"Their names are on the town's war memorials, so their contribution is valued."
Ms Halsall welcomed the reversal, adding it would serve as a fitting tribute for the Andrews brothers.
"It is important for towns to remember its pioneers, and it is also a good reminder that things can be changed if a town pulls together."
