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WEST WALLSEND WAR MEMORIAL PARK

There have been Anzac Day Services through the years, involving the students and teachers of the local schools. From the late 1990’s, residents have organized Remembrance Day Services each year with local ladies bringing along cakes and slices for the morning tea.

Residents of West Wallsend district rallied to the call for enlistments when World War One broke out in 1914. The families and friends of those who answered the call were fully supportive. They arranged “Farewells”, “Welcome Homes” to the soldiers, even having medals struck for some returned soldiers. To cap it all, the small village of West Wallsend and surrounding villages, at the end of that war rallied around and raised the money to build the handsome monument, Which stands today on the corner of the West Wallsend Soldier’s Park, corner of Carrington and Hyndes Streets,West Wallsend. It was a fantastic effort, involving Carrara Marble being imported from Italy for the soldier standing at the top of the monument, and plaques for names.  Dedication Day was the 28th January 1922.
When World War Two broke out in September 1939, the young people of the area once again answered the Challenge and went to war. 

Since that time there has been many times when the residents have ‘gone to war’ either voluntarily, or due to National Service and Conscription. It does make one wonder why, when there was such a great response to erecting the World War One monument, why there wasn’t the same response after the second World War, and also other war arenas throughout the years.  Was it the aftermath of the Great Depression, followed by lack of employment, then wartime, and making it hard for people to manage to live?  The older folk may remember the small R.S.L. branch at West Wallsend.  When the West Wallsend Workers Club opened, this branch closed and amalgamated with Wallsend R.S.L.  That R.S.L. building was later sold to the Scouting Association.

There have been Anzac Day Services through the years, involving the students and teachers of the local schools. From the late 1990’s, residents have organized Remembrance Day Services each year with local ladies bringing along cakes and slices for the morning tea. The West Wallsend Workers Club also helps with the refreshments. Local ministers and church representatives take turns for the spiritual side of the service. It is good to see the students from the local schools being involved in these Services as well.  For some years, the Macquarie College Band has provided the music.  Military Historian, David Dial O.A.M. usually brings along relevant background segments. It was after some of these Remembrance Day Services, that it was voiced by some people, that it was a shame that although there was a great World War One Monument, there was nothing for the following wars and conflicts. 

Representatives of two local groups spoke about the possibility of working together to raise funds for an upgraded memorial, to take in those who had served their country since the First World War.  This large project got underway at the beginning of 2007. They chose the name, Sugarvalley War Memorial Project Committee, due to the fact that the new War Memorial upgrade would contain names from the villages, both present and defunct, from Seahampton  through to Wakefield. To begin with, in depth research was undertaken to find all the names possible to be included. Research included these avenues – War Memorial Records, Local War Memorial Boards, Library Research, Electoral Rolls, Local Histories, telephone calls, interviews with people, advertising in the papers, also notices placed in shop windows. There was a box left at the West Wallsend Neighbourhood Centre together with forms, for folk to complete and place in the box for further research.  A Hunter Valley Military Historian supplied a list of local name s he had, and this was able to be used as a cross reference guide. 

It was known that there was sure to be names left out, but hoped there would be sufficient room on the memorials for later additions. The research revealed so many names connected with the area, sometimes it was only the name found with no background information.  There needed to be a criterion set, and The War Memorial in Canberra was approached for guidelines.  Eventually 288 names were placed in a database for inclusion.  The next step was to get quotes to complete the job. Monumental Masons, Delic and Sons at Cardiff were chosen to do the job. Then, began the massive task of approaching businesses, local Mining Groups, Clubs, R.S.L.s, Local businesses and Council, as well as the local residents.  State and Federal Grants were successfully applied for. The local Labor Party held Trivia Nights to help. The War Memorial Committee also organized fund raising activities like pie drives, fun days, stalls, raffles, trips. Donation tins were placed in some local shops for people to place their loose change. The response was terrific, but it still took three years to raise the full amount needed. 

By July 2009, the target had been reached and the large job of constructing the two memorials was begun.  Carrara Marble was ordered from Italy and a high grade sandstone chosen for the job. By Christmas 2009, cement slabs were set into place. A few weeks before the deadline of 25th April 2010, the assembling work on site was undertaken. Meanwhile the small committee was busy, preparing for the Anzac Day Service, planning matching invitations, programs, and booklets. Sponsors were invited to take part in the actual service.  It was a high moment when the Newcastle Australian Army Band was available to provide the music and soloist for the day. Heavy rain altered plans, and instead of everyone being spread comfortably around the park, as many as possible huddled under cover out of the rain.  Local resident, Gary Bentley did his usual great job as Compere.  Greg Combet, Federal MP, and Kerry Hickey, State MP, officiated at the unveiling of the first monument and spontaneously called the two original organizers of the project, to cut the ribbon at the second monument. Many photographs were taken, and there were no complaints heard about the adverse weather.  It was noted that in a photo taken at the original unveiling in 1922, everyone had their umbrellas up – was it the intense heat of January or a very rainy day!  Umbrellas were very much in evidence at this unveiling ceremony.

There is now a lasting memorial commemorating the local people who have served in conflicts to date.