A new memorial remembering those from the shire who served in WWI was unveiled on Sunday, November 10, on the eve of Remembrance Day.
The memorial was unveiled by Federal Member for Hughes, Craig Kelly MP and Sutherland Shire Council mayor Carmelo Pesce, in Peace Park, Eton Street Sutherland at 4pm on Sunday.
The new memorial received funding from the office of Mr Kelly under the Federal Government's Armistice Centenary Grants Program, as well as from the Sutherland Shire Council and local RSL sub-Branches.
The memorial will be a lasting and fitting tribute to the sacrifices made by those from the Sutherland Shire and is the culmination of the efforts of the many dedicated individuals who made the memorial possible.
This project was initiated and has been coordinated by members of the Hughes Centenary of Armistice Commemoration Committee.
This Committee was made up of Jack Abernethy, Engadine RSL Sub-Branch; Clive Baker, Shire Military Club; Barry Grant, Woronora RSL sub-Branch; Paul Griffiths, Bundeena RSL ASub-Branch; Barry Mcfayden, Heathcote RSL Sub-Branch; Bruce Watt, Sutherland Shire Historical Society; and Frank Zumbo, Chief of Staff, Office of Craig Kelly.
A key part of the memorial project was to identify those from the Sutherland Shire who served and in this regard the Committee is indebted to Marilyn Handley and Sue Hewitt, the two local historians who compiled the 498 names remembered as part of the memorial.
Finally, the Sutherland Shire Council contributed to the project by building the memorial and providing invaluable technical expertise throughout the planning and implementation of the project.
The Committee would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has been involved in making the new memorial possible and looks forward to the community being a part of its unveiling.
Remembrance Day service (11/11) - a short commemorative service will be held on Remembrance Day at Westfield Miranda at 11am involving local schools, RSL Sub-Branch representatives and Sutherland Shire councillors.
The service will be held at The Poppy Tree installation at the Fig Tree.
Attendees will be invited to 'plant a poppy' at the conclusion of the service to remember a loved one, with poppies made by local schools.
There is also a Remembrance Day Exhibition featuring stories from local WWI veterans to the theme of 'brothers in arms' and the pain of families losing multiple sons to war.
Also, on display will be war memorabilia provided by Miranda RSL Sub-Branch and a 'poppy waterfall' display. NSW RSL will also be selling their Poppy Appeal merchandise with proceeds going to RSL DefenceCare to aid struggling veterans and their families.
