June 6 was deliberately chosen because it marked the 73^rd anniversary of D-Day, which saw the allied forces launch an assault on German positions on the beaches of Normandy, France.

Funded by an Anzac Community Grant of $2000 and Friends of Alkira, the garden was declared open by Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson.

Mr Anderson praised the presence of children at the event.

“It’s great to see the kids here because we do need to have those kids, the young ones involved, not only in ceremonies like this but also in ceremonies at Anzac Day, Nashos Day, Vietnam Vets Day and others. Because it is again those the young ones who will continue to tell those stories, carry the tradition forward and make sure Australia stays the great country that it is,” he said.

“I think this particular war memorial garden is going to be something that will provide peace and will provide comfort and will be able to provide a place for people to come and sit and relax and enjoy the magnificent outdoors here at Alkira.

“It was a pleasure to be able to support Mackellar Care and Alkira in the funding for this particular garden but you cannot replace the loving man hours that go into something like this at a local level.”

The opening took on the form of a service, with wreaths and poppies laid at the base of the digger statue by Mr Anderson, Mackellar Care staff and residents, Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey, children from Winanga-li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre, and Gunnedah RSL Sub-branch president Peter Kannengieser.  

Mr Kannengieser took to the podium to recount Australia’s involvement in the history of war.

“We must never forget that Australians were always at different places in the war at different times,” he said.

Winanga-li named a remembrance rose for the garden – Horn Island Rose – which was planted by pre-schoolers Harlow Suey and Mack Bottrell with the help of the Friends of Alkira.

The rose was presented to the centre by Alkira resident and World War II veteran Ted Bernays who planted the first rose – a Flanders Rose – in the garden on Friday. Mr Bernays also gifted a Horn Island Rose to the centre to plant in their own grounds.

“The plant is a symbol of the friendship that has developed between the children and the residents of Mackellar Care,” Mackellar Care’s Tina McIntosh said at the opening.

“They come and visit us every fortnight and do a program with the residents.”

 Alkira resident Doreen Bartlett gave The Prayer of Remembrance and Nancy Jaeger recited The Ode.

Gunnedah High School student Amity Cleal played The Last Post and after one minute of silence had been observed, she played the Reveille.

Local talent Tammy Clark lent her vocals to the gathering, singing The Last Anzac, and leading Amazing Grace. Students from Carinya Christian School led the national anthem, Advance Australia Fair.

A main feature of the garden is the 300kg 3D commemorative statue featuring a digger playing a bugle, with the words, ‘Lest we forget’, cut out of the metalwork. A flagpole bearing the Australian flag is behind the statue.

Remembrance plants include ‘Anzac’ bottlebrush, Gallipoli rosemary, poppies and roses. A plaque bearing The Ode has been incorporated into one of the garden beds.

The garden is bordered by an existing path, which has been named, “Remembrance Walk”. Seating will be added for the comfort of residents.