THE redevelopment of the Fotheringham Park war memorial is nearing completion ahead of Anzac Day, with the addition of a paved memorial walkway and three new commemorative plaques.
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The Great War 1914-1918 Memorial Walkway consists of a new brick path which includes 24 marked bricks bearing the names of the battles that Australian forces were involved in throughout World War I, starting with Gallipoli at the eastern end.
“From that end to that end, we lost 80,000 people,” explained chairman of the Taree 2015 Anzac Day Planning committee, Darcy Elbourne, referring to the memorial walkway and the 24 battles fought.
“Everyone who had a relative in the war can identify here which battles they were involved in.
“It adds to the story.”
The three new plaques commemorate the effort of Australian forces in Gallipoli and on the Western Front during World War I, with one plaque bearing The Ode.
The new bricks and plaques are part of a period of preparation for the 2015 commemorations which began back in 2013.
In a joint effort between the RSL and Greater Taree City Council, work on the memorial has also included the refurbishment of the clock and fixing adjoining pavement on Victoria Street.
A new clock mechanism has also been finalised, with funds committed by the RSL to enable work to begin.
While Darcy doesn’t believe in comparing memorials between towns, he does believe Taree is fortunate to have such a monument, particularly coming up to the 100th year of Anzac.
“We’ve got something to be very proud of here,” Darcy said.
“It’s about not letting the centenary of Anzac go past without commemorating it.”
Local resident Larry Nolan shared his collection of WWI photographs. Check out the gallery below:
