Mr and Mrs WE Thompson, after whom Thompson Avenue is named, outside their beautiful home “Talofa.”

Mr Thompson made his first visit to Phillip Island for a holiday in 1889 and came regularly, settling with his family in Cowes in 1912.

For the following 38 years the couple devoted themselves to the welfare of the community with a measure of tireless personal service and substantial material gifts, including the Warley Hospital.

On a beautiful day in 1937, the people of the island, along with parliamentary representatives the Hon. C.P. Gartside MLC and the Hon, C E Isaacs MLC, gathered at the Phillip Island Shire Hall in Cowes to thank them for the contribution they had made to the island and its community, by naming the main street Thompson Avenue.

The function was arranged by the Shire Council of the day, under the presidency of Cr R Jeffrey.

Thirteen years later in 1950, citizens representing every organisation working for the good of the island met at a civic function held at the Erehwon Guest House to say goodbye to the Thompsons.

At this crowded gathering, it was discovered that they had already done for the island much more than was generally known.

Descendants of the Thompsons still live on the island.