Soil collected from sixty-five war memorials across South East New South Wales will be featured in a new state memorial honouring First World War veterans and their hometowns.
The Office of Veterans Affairs is overseeing the program, which is collecting soil from almost 1,700 WW1 enlistment locations for an art installation in what will be known as the Hall of Service at the revamped Hyde Park memorial in the centre of Sydney.
Narooma is one of 15 Eurobodalla locations identified for the program, and one of the first local spots where soil has been collected. NSW Governor, His Excellency the Honourable David Hurley who visited the Shire this week was the one to do the honours.
Other South East locations include:
Adaminaby
Batemans Bay
Bega
Bergalia
Bermagui
Berridale
Bibbenluke
Bimbaya
Bodalla
Bombala
Bredbo
Broadwater
Burragate
Candelo
Cathcart
Central Tilba
Cobargo
Colinton
Conjola
Cooma
Craigie
Dalgety
Delegate
Dignams Creek
Eden
Eurobodalla
Jerangle
Jindabyne
Jervis Bay
Jingera
Kameruka
Kanoona
Kiandra
Maharatta
Merimbula
Michelago
Milton
Monaro
Moruya
Myalla
Narooma
Nelligen
Nerrigundah
Nethercote
Nimmitabel
Numeralla
Pambulla
Quaama
Rock Flat
Rockton
Rocky Hall
Roasedale
South Pambula
South Wolumla
Stony Creek
Tathra
Tilba Tilba
Tomakin
Towamba
Ulladulla
Wagonga
Wolumla
Woodlands
Wyndham
Yatte Yattah
When complete, memorial visitors will be able to learn about each location via their personal digital devices.
The information presented will include details on the soil collection, the names of enlistees who gave that location as their home address, and maps showing the local area and its surrounding memorials and schools.
The simple soil collection program forms part of a $40 million enhancement of the memorial marking the centenary of World War 1.
Works are on track for opening on Remembrance Day 2018, which will bring to life the original 1930’s vision for the space and include a second water feature and new educational areas.
NSW Governor, David Hurley told About Regional, war memorials like this are a reminder of the strength of service and sacrifice for current day service women and men and of the history they are a part of.
His Excellency believes the new Hall of Service will be stunning and emotional…
This story was made with the assistance of About Regional members Wendy and Pete Gorton, Amanda Dalziel, Phil Martin, and Olwen Morris – thank you for supporting local story telling.