Stage two of a project which began early in 2018 was officially opened at Wingham Museum on Wednesday, October 31.
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The project was made possible with a $1300 grant to Manning Valley Historical Society from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Anzac Community Grants Program.
Stage one of the project, a timeline of major conflicts that Australians have been involved in from Sudan in the late 1800s through to Afghanistan today, and also peacekeeping and border control duties, was officially opened in April 2018.
Stage two of the display, a memorial to all who have served, was planned to be completed in time for the Centenary of Armistice (November 11, 2018) and the Museum volunteers delivered right on time.
The striking corner display comprises of a laser-cut steel soldier at rest, donated by Manning River Steel. The backdrop was a photo of an Australian war cemetery in France, blown up and simplified. Surrounding the soldier’s feet are red poppies.
“The whole thing is definitely an Australian theme, other than the red poppies, which as we know are a European strain of flower. But still, they’re in our culture,” Museum curator, Terry Tournoff said.
“I’m sure most of you are aware that during the First World War the logistics of repatriating all the fallen was just impossible. That’s why most of the Australian war cemeteries are in Europe because they were buried on that continent rather than repatriate the bodies back to Australia.
“What they did in every country town and even the major cities was they set up cenotaphs, war memorials, places that people can focus their grief and their remembrance. All we’ve done is replicate that idea within this area here and I thank the management and staff of Manning Steel,” Terry said.
Member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead officially opened the display and congratulated the Historical Society and Museum volunteers on what they have been able to achieve.
“Today is a very important day. On this day, 31 October 1917 was the charge at Beersheba. Today is also another great day because we’re opening stage two of the development of a $1300 grant and money well spent,” Mr Bromhead said.
Julia Driscoll
Julia Driscoll has worked as a journalist for the Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Times for seven years. She values the deep connection with community that being a rural and regional journalist brings. Career highlights have involved environmental stories - bringing the plight of the little known endangered Manning River helmeted turtle to the attention of the public, resulting in wide-spread knowledge in the community and conservation action; and breaking the news of the Manning River ceasing to run for the first time in recorded history.
Julia Driscoll has worked as a journalist for the Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Times for seven years. She values the deep connection with community that being a rural and regional journalist brings. Career highlights have involved environmental stories - bringing the plight of the little known endangered Manning River helmeted turtle to the attention of the public, resulting in wide-spread knowledge in the community and conservation action; and breaking the news of the Manning River ceasing to run for the first time in recorded history.
