Appleby Lane, a previously unnamed road, running east from McKay St to Buckley St, will be formally named to recognise the contributions of Mr Appleby, a prominent local businessman and community figure.
The campaign was spearheaded by the secretary of the town’s historical society, Cheryl McKinnon, who made the proposal to Loddon Shire Council in February.
“Mr Appleby was a very significant person, highly respected in the community,” Ms McKinnon said.
“He began working at the Pyramid Hill Co-operative Society and made it a mainstay of the town’s economy.”
The co-operative would amalgamate with a butter factory, subsequently purchasing a number of other butter factories, with Mr Appleby appointed the group’s joint general, a position he held until his retirement in 1971.
Despite Mr Appleby perhaps being best known for his economic contribution, Ms McKinnon said his influence extended well beyond the business community.
“He was a justice of the peace and a councillor and president of the Shire of Gordon,” she said.
“He sat on several committees and boards, including the historical society, the bush nursing centre and the development committee.”
“He was also involved with the Church of England and the Masonic Lodge and was awarded an MBE in recognition of his contribution to the community.”
Ms McKinnon said she knew Mr Appleby was a strong contender for the honour, with the unnamed road in question serving as a route between his back door and the co-operative.
“Except for Victoria and Albert St, which are named after royalty, all the other streets bear the name of notable Pyramid Hill pioneers, most of who served as shire councillors,” she said.
“He checks all the boxes and anyone who’s been in the town more than 10 years would have heard or come across something mentioning Dick Appleby and what he did.
“This has been a long time coming.”
The proposed name will now be submitted to Geographic Names Victoria for formal registration.
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