Preparations are well under way for the centenary of Anzac in Tambar Springs.
A Remembrance Day concert and ceremony will held at the historic Tambar Springs cenotaph on November 11 at 10am.
Centenary of Anzac Working Group chairOwen Hasler said the event would be an important occasion in the shire’s calendar.
“The Remembrance Day ceremony at Tambar Springs recognises the Tambar cenotaph’s 100-year anniversary in 2018, making it one of the earliest memorials in Australia,” Cr Hasler said.
“It is fitting that we are able to acknowledge this on Remembrance Day, marking 100 years since the end of World War One.”
“The funding will allow work to be undertaken in the park area surrounding the Cenotaph and has given us the flexibility to conduct an expanded program on November 11,” Cr Hasler said.
Local historian, Ron McLean, is compiling a booklet depicting the history of the monument and the role of a number of the Tambar Springs district “diggers” who received decorations as a result of their service and sacrifice in World War One.
A new sign designed by Mr McLean depicting the history of the monument will be erected at the entrance to the park.
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Tambar Springs Progress Association secretary Robyn Styles said they are pleased to have the opportunity to showcase their community.
“We are looking forward to the ceremony and are happy to jointly fund the event and help conduct the historic day,” Ms Styles said.
“Those who attend will not be disappointed with our hospitality and they will get to see the marvellous view that we have overlooking the great Liverpool Plains to the east of the village.”
The program will include performances by the Gunnedah Shire Band, singer Tammy Clark and students from the Gunnedah Conservatorium of Music, as well as guest speakers.
The formal Remembrance Day service will begin at 10.55am, followed by a minute silence at 11am.
Parkes MP Mark Coulton will lead the list of official guests at the event.
The Centenary of Anzac Working Group has conducted 12 major events over the last five years in recognition of the sacrifice made by ex-servicemen in WWI, and Cr Hasler encouraged everyone to attend the final event in the program.
“Given the historic significance of this monument at Tambar Springs, we believe the Remembrance Day service will be a worthy one,” he said.
