Valla First World War Roll of Honour

About

The memorial is a decorative paper honour roll for the First World War. It is mounted in a timber frame behind glass. The top of the page features delicate illustrations of the Australian Imperial Force emblem and the crossed flags of Britain and Australia. The years of the war and title of the roll are highlighted by colourful banners and the dedication is in calligraphy-style script. The names of 32 veterans are printed across three columns, on a background resembling a parchment. The roll was unveiled at the Valla Public Hall on 16 August 1916. The trustees of the hall had given their consent to the roll being placed on the walls of the only pubic building in the neighbourhood. The Nambucca and Bellinger News, 18 August 1916, reported on the unveiling saying, "the roll has been artistically arranged and neatly framed." Their account also listed the names on the memorial to the name A. Riley, listing 22 names in all. The ceremony was chaired by Mr A.P. Sullivan and Mr A.G. Henderson was Secretary. In the absence of the Shire President, Richard McCarthy, Councillor R.J. Bear unveiled the roll and also made appropriate remarks. Addresses were also delivered by special guests including Messrs. W. Steele, A.J. Martin and H.B. Dollermore. Among those present were visitors from Bowraville and Nambucca Heads. A dance was held at the conclusion of the ceremony.  On 11 January 1918, the Nambucca News reported that the roll was steadily being added to. The list appears to have been complete by 1920, as an article in the Nambucca News on 2 April quoted the inscription from the roll and printed the final 32 names, along with one more name that does not appear on the finished roll. The article is about the final welcome home function for returning soldiers that was held in the hall in late March.  Some of the veterans listed on this roll also appear on the Valla Public School First World War Honor Roll and the Valla Grand United Order of Oddfellows First World War Roll of Honour.  Access to the memorial is restricted to the opening hours of the Valla Public Hall.