Bingara Memorial Orange Trees

About

Planted alongside Finch Street in Bingara, NSW, is a memorial avenue of orange trees. It was first established in the 1950s, as a living memorial to the servicemen and women from the area who died in the First and Second World Wars. In a unique decision, the founders of the memorial entrusted its maintenance and protection to the children of the town.  Originally the trees were Valencia trees, but over time a number have been replaced with the navel orange variety. Trees have also been planted at Gwydir Oval, and a bushrock with two bronze plaques has been installed outside the Bingara RSL Club. A special commemorative service is held outside the club each July to mark the start of the annual Bingara Orange Festival. It is attended by members of the RSL, the community, tourists, and most importantly, students from Bingara Central School.  After the service, the children begin harvesting the fruit in a long-held tradition known as 'Orange Picking Day'. Since 1960, the oranges are picked for distribution within the community and to local organisations, including aged care facilities and the hospital. The 60th anniversary of Orange Picking Day was celebrated on 3 July 2021.

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