BALGOWNIE WAR MEMORIAL
Large stone catafalque structure, most likely constructed of Trachyte with a vertical name panel on the front face. Incised laurel wreaths adorn sections of the structure.
Dedication date: 26 April 1930
“Saturday, April 26th, will be a Red letter day in Balgownie, the occasion being the unveiling of the Balgownie Soldiers’ War Memorial. The present Committee was formed about 2 years ago, and thanks largely to the ladies on the Committee, a sum of about £306 has been raised. A public meeting was called to decide the form the memorial was to take, and at that meeting the present design was accepted. Many schemes were considered, but being so many years behind the times, it was not possible to carry these out. The Committee look forward to a large gathering at the unveiling ceremony.
It had been announced that the unveiling ceremony would be performed by Hon. W. M. Hughes, P.C., M.H.R., but a couple of days prior to the ceremony a communication was received from him to the effect that he would be unable to attend. Colonel Dr. Maguire was then approached, and he readily consented to perform the ceremony. The memorial is of striking appearance, being of polished Bowral trachyte of monolythic design, on cast trachyte base and steps. It stands on a raised landing, neatly turfed, and surrounded with posts and chains. In the centre are the names, with a carved laurel wreath, on each side. The workmanship is a credit to Messrs. Rose and Son, Keira Street, Wollongong.” – Illawarra Mercury
“This war memorial is unique. It is solely dedicated to World War I and lists all the names of the locals who served in the war, both those who died and those who returned home—111 local people. It also includes one woman who served as a nurse, and it is unique in that as well.
The war memorial was originally dedicated in 1930 and was achieved through the fundraising efforts of a local mining community in the midst of the Depression. Despite their daily struggles, local people donated what small amounts they could to the original fund in order to erect a memorial to honour the sacrifice and dedication of the young people of their community who had served. That community spirit, even in the most difficult of times, remains a feature of the character of our local people to this day. It is well represented in the efforts of the volunteer group who accomplished the improvements to the memorial and organised Saturday’s re-dedication service.” – Hon. Sharon Leah, BIRD
