Kyogle National Servicemen's Memorial

About

The memorial is a concrete-rendered wall, with a Norman-shaped top, which has been painted white. Attached to the front face of the wall are two bronze plaques. At the top is the emblem of the Returned & Services League (RSL) Australia. Below this is the dedication plaque, in honour of all National Servicemen who served between 1951 and 1972. The plaque is decorated with the logo of the National Servicemen's Association, who established the memorial.  The National Service Scheme was in place from 1951 to 1972. Under the scheme, 18-year-old men had to serve in the Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy, or Royal Australian Air Force. The third scheme was abolished in 1959 and the fourth scheme was re-introduced in 1964. In May 1965, new powers meant National Servicemen could serve overseas. All 20-year-old men had to register and names were selected by a 'birthday ballot'. Two hundred and twelve servicemen were killed in Borneo and Vietnam, and with mounting anti-Vietnam demonstrations, the newly elected Labor Government abolished the scheme on 5 December 1972. The memorial is located in a small garden on the corner of Summerland Way and Wyangerie Street, outside the Kyogle Swimming Pool. It is visible from the road and footpath. More information about the National Service Scheme can be found on the Australian War Memorial website.