Gunnedah Shire Council to vote on transfer of $10,000 to memorial for nurse Annie Egan more than a century after her death

Annie Egan was born on August 22, 1891. Her family, originally from Gundagai, moved to Emerald Hill, where her parents owned the property "Rosewood".

Annie followed her dream of becoming a nurse and enlisted in the Australian Army Nursing Service shortly after completing her nursing studies.

Courageously, she volunteered to nurse at the North Head Quarantine Station in Sydney, where many of the patients were returning soldiers suffering from the Spanish Flu which had been sweeping Europe.

While nursing sick soldiers, Annie contracted Spanish Flu in November 1918, but continued to actively care for soldiers before she collapsed and was admitted to hospital.

Annie passed away on December 3, 1918, at the age of 27. Despite being a devout Catholic, she was denied the Last Rites.

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At Gunnedah Shire Council's June meeting tonight, councillors will vote on the allocation of $10,000 to a memorial in honour of Annie.

Chief Planner of Operation Pilgrimage Group Allan Miles OAM has been the driving force behind the Annie Egan Memorial Project, and has approached council for its support.

"Allan has approached a number of Gunnedah businesses for support by way of contributions to funding a memorial plaque for Annie," council's general manager Eric Goth wrote in the business papers.

The proposed memorial includes laying a new concrete pad adjacent to the Historical Society Water Tower Museum to accommodate a memorial stone and plaque, memorial signage and a ceremony of about 50 people including official guests, government and military representatives and media.

The $10,000 transfer of funds from council would cover costs associated with removal of the existing concrete pad, supply of a stone, placement of the new pad and the setting of the memorial stone in the new pad.

Council will also vote on whether to pay for the costs of the civic reception.

The meeting will begin at 4.30pm today at the Council Chambers on 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah.

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