Branxton-Greta Memorial Cycleway Limited invites Prince Harry to perform sod turning in October

So determined, in fact, that they have extended an invitation to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to attend a sod-turning ceremony for the project in October this year.

The newlywed royal couple will be Sydney from October 20 to 27 for the Invictus Games, a multi-sport event for wounded, ill or injured armed forces personnel and veterans, which Prince Harry founded in 2014.

Branxton-Greta Memorial Cycleway Limited chairman Brett Wild said the cycleway project – which will pay tribute to the twin towns’ World War I servicemen – was strongly aligned with the games’ values, and would be a meaningful event for the Duke and Duchess to attend.

“It ticks many boxes,” Mr Wild said.

“And there’s nothing to be lost by sending an invitation.

“It would be an amazing boost for our small country town – it would be huge for the entire Hunter Valley.”

The invitations have been sent to Buckingham Palace via the offices of Governor of NSW David Hurley (who is a patron for the project), Minister for Veterans Affairs David Elliott, and the Invictus Games.

Mr Wild said the invitation highlights the close relationship between Australia and Britain, Australia’s love for the Royal Family, and the sacrifices of the 330 men from Branxton, Greta and North Rothbury who served in the Great War (45 percent of the towns’ male population at the time) and how the cycleway will honour their memory.

A joint project between the Branxton-Greta Business Chamber and the RSL sub-branches of each town, the 4.5-kilometre bike path will be built between the twin towns’ World War I rotundas, with Lone Pine trees, brass plaques and reflection points along the way.

Branxton RSL Sub-branch president Brian Furner said the rotundas should be seen as “sacred ground”, but had become disrespected over the years.

He said the cycleway would return that respect to the veterans, while increasing tourism and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

While the project committee awaits its response from Buckingham Palace, plans are underway to host Governor Hurley and his wife Linda in Branxton on September 10.

The Vice-Regal visit will include a morning tea for invited community members at Branxton Community Hall, followed by a luncheon at Dalwood Estate that will raise funds for the memorial aspect of the project (estimated at $1.2 million).

Mr Wild said the whole project has an estimated cost of about $4 million, including the construction, memorial aspects and perpetual maintenance.

It was knocked back for funding from the latest round of the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program, but the committee will continue to explore all avenues of funding.

The trust has applied for charity status, has registered a website that will go live this week, and is set to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Cessnock City Council.

Meanwhile, the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association is working with Destination NSW and the State Government on an invitation for the Duke and Duchess to visit the Hunter Valley during their stay in Australia.

“This will be incredible for the Hunter Valley if it come to fruition,” HVWTA general manager Jo Thomas said.