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Construction of the Wisemans Ferry ANZAC Memorial
Update (Granite Plaques) 8/6/2013
84 names from the district Nominal Roll have been forwarded on to the engraver for inclusion on four black granite plaques measuring (h) 1150 x (w) 900. Other associated information including the “ODE” will be included. All engraving will appear hi-lighted in silver.
The committee was most fortunate in securing local granite (blue/black metal) which will allow the Memorial [plaques] to be constructed 100% Australian made as opposed to the original quote using o/seas granite. The move to localize the components incurred an increase of approx 30%
The local granite when highly polished appears black with small silver/gray flakes throughout.
April / May 2013 Update
Commencement of stage two (April 2013) with the placing of the plinth. The plinth facing was designed to compliment the districts convict heritage with local stonemason Paul McKinley giving it a “Convict picked & margined” makeover, the centre cavity was then filled with concrete to avoid a possible ‘blowout’ when the 2.5 cubes of concrete are poured to form the centre column.
A 12m. flagpole was later raised with the help of locals. During May, a callistemon “Scarlet Flame” garden to compliment the Memorial walkway was completed. Pictorial update, see “Credits”
27th. August 2012 ~ Progress Update. Completion of Stage 1
On this day work commenced on Stage one consisting all ground works up to and including the centrepiece step.
The site required extensive ground preparation including the removal and disposal of approx. 150.m2. of existing turf.
The area required 200 tonnes of V.E.N.M. (virgin excavated natural material) continually rolled and compressed to a height of 800mm forming a gradual slope to natural ground.
9m3. of sandstone coloured concrete was required to form the centrepiece step plus a 1.5m. wide surrounding pathway with wheel chair access to Old Northern Road public footpath.
30 tonnes of imported natural soil to a depth of 100mm was required to cover the remaining V.E.N.M.
The soil was covered with 200.m2. of native couch.
FOR PICTORIAL PROGRESS VIEWERS SHOULD VISIT ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS/CREDITS
Anzac Day 25th. April 2012 ~ Hornsby Council Update.
The construction of the districts first public ANZAC Memorial on Wisemans Ferry reserve has recently met Council approval with works expected to be carried out in two stages over a period of three years.
Stage one, incorporating all ground preparation including concrete work (the slab) up to the height of the adjacent public footpath is expected to commence after the current financial year.
29th. February 2012 ~ Hornsby Council Update.
On November 2011, the Committee was asked to submit a Review of Environmental Factors (REF).
On the 29th February 2012, the Committee was informed by Council that the REF was approved for viewing and would go on public exhibition for community feedback.
The closing date for this is 13th. April 2012 after which all feedback will be reviewed.
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The Macdonald Valley contribution to the Great War of 1914-18
This page is dedicated to the men who enlisted from the Macdonald Valley for service during the “Great War” of 1914/18. Attached is a short bio surrounding their death or injury Continue reading “The Macdonald Valley contribution to the Great War of 1914-18”
Diggers Gallery, Soldiers in Sepia
Images of local Service personnel (with Regimental No. & Conflict) shown below have qualified for inclusion on the Wisemans Ferry & District ANZAC Memorial.
Former & current (Service & Non Service) Wisemans Ferry ANZAC Day supporters are invited to submit photos for inclusion on the Wisemans Ferry ANZACS website.
(click on image to enlarge)
A War Memorial after 100 years, Why?
On the 25th. April 2010 the Australian Government announced the formation of the National Commission on the Commemoration of the ANZAC Centenary. The Commission comprises two former Australian Prime Ministers along with four prominent members of Australian society.
The main task of the Commission was to explore how Government should most appropriately mark the 100th. Anniversary of the Gallipoli landing on 25th. April 1915 through to Armistice Day 11th. November 1918.
The Commission then launched a public consultation period calling on individuals, organizations and community groups of Australia to put forward submissions on how they would best explore the legacy of the “Great War” and the 100 years of service since.
Right across Australia, thousands of communities, both big and small delivered commemorative events to mark this significant milestone in our nations history
There are few places across Australia which were not touched by World War 1.
In 1914 the entire male population of some small towns signed up to defend “King and Country”, sadly, over 60,000 of them did not return and many more were left carrying the scars of battle for the rest of their lives.
THE MEMORIAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT WAS YOUR COMMUNITY SUBMISSION.
On the 5th. November 2010 at Wisemans’ Ferry, a committee was appointed for the raising of a suitable Memorial in memory of those men and women who departed the district to serve in all conflicts since Federation.
It was decided to have a public launch of the project inviting supportive residents of the district including:
Mr. Philip Ruddock, M.P. Federal Member for Berowra.
Ms. Louise Markus, M.P. Federal Member for Macquarie.
Mr. Ray Williams, State Member for Hawkesbury.
The committee, spearheaded by Wisemans’ Ferry resident and Vietnam Veteran Wayne Moore was comprised of residents of various backgrounds from the Wisemans’ Ferry District with one thing in common, they had shown to be ANZAC supporters with an understanding of the need to publicly record the names of those who served their country during a time of war.
The aim is to have the Memorial in place to mark the Centenary of the Gallipoli landing and to record the names of the district servicemen and women who left their family life and farms to protect their way of life and freedom that we now enjoy.
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ANZAC Day 1988 Supporters assembled around the flag pole in front of the bowling club. Rev. John Price, officiating. |
| Preparing for ANZAC Day. Jim Johnston laying the blocks for the new Cenotaph behind the Wisemans’ Ferry bowling club in preparation for the ANZAC Day Ceremony 1990. |  |
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ANZAC Day 1990 Dedication of the Wisemans’ Ferry Cenotaph on the 75th. Anniversary of the start of the Gallipoli campaign.The Cenotaph served the community well but fell short in recognising all conflicts in which Australians have served and makes no reference to the “Roll of Honour” or “Nominal Roll”. |
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ANZAC Day 2015: The Dawn Service incorporating the Memorial Dedication & Unveiling Ceremony saw a gathering estimated at 400+. The unveiling was performed by Mrs. Dyras Thompson, a descendant of one of the local ANZACs. The community 11am. March & Ceremony attracted a following estimated at 600+. The Ceremony saw the Dedication of three additional plaques. “Lone Pine” “Clifford Price Garden Seat” & The “Waler” Plaque. |
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