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WEST WALLSEND WAR MEMORIAL PARK
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 names 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.
