Grafton Memorial Park

About

This memorial is a large commemorative park, located along the banks of the Clarence River in Grafton, NSW. It was established in 1919, in memory of those who served in the First World War.  The Grafton Argus, 27 October 1919, reported Grafton Council had been gifted a piece of land, which until the conclusion of the war was not marked for a particular use. Council decided it would be converted to a memorial park and work was underway by late September that year. At that stage, a brick wall and paths were laid out, and Council called for donations of flowers and shrubs to beautify the area. By March 1920, the planting of palms and shrubs had been completed. The park was dedicated by General Sir William R Birdwood on 22 May 1920. Over time, several war memorials have been installed within the park to commemorate Australian service personnel and their involvement in various conflicts. The Grafton Memorial Park Gates provide a stately entrance to the grounds, from Prince Street. Bordering the footpaths are box hedges (Buxus microphylla), trimmed into the shape of letters to commemorate the Australian Imperial Force (A.I.F.), Royal Australian Medical Corps (A.M.C.), and the Royal Australian Air Force (R.A.A.F.). Positioned on brick walls throughout the park are multiple bronze plaques, inscribed with dedications to various conflicts and veteran groups, including Australian servicewomen, prisoners of war, and war animals. The war animals plaque is decorated with illustrations of a horse, a camel, a pigeon, a dog, a mule, and a donkey. The Grafton RSL was awarded a 'Saluting Their Service' grant on 19 June 2015 for the park. Commemorative services are held throughout the grounds, at the various memorials.

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