Burringbar District Soldiers' Memorial

About

The Burringbar District Soldiers' Memorial is an ornate pillar, decorated with white marble columns and surmounted by a royal crown in red and white. Name and inscription plates attached to its sides are of marble with black lettering. The memorial is situated on a raised fenced platform. A detailed physical description of the monument was published in the Northern Star on 12 July 1919, the article describing the piece as "magnificent" and stated it was made of Sicilian marble and freestone from Sydney and Queensland.  The memorial stands in Burringbar Memorial Reserve, which was being prepared in early 1919. The Tweed Daily, 28 February 1919, reported the reserve was now fenced in readiness for installation of the memorial and planting of shrubs and trees in memory of fallen soldiers. The was planned to dedicate the reserve to mark peace celebrations. In March and April, sub-committee meetings were held to discuss the project and review the many designs received in order to make a decision. A public meeting was to be held on Saturday, 31 May to hear the sub-committee's report and to finalise the list of eligible names to be placed on the roll, as well to discuss plans for the unveiling. The meeting had a good number of residents in attendance and the list of names was received and arrangements made for the procession, picnic and a ball to mark the unveiling  (Tweed Daily, 21 March 1919; 27 May 1919; 6 June 1919). The final design was constructed by Mr H.J. Edwards, a stonemason of Keen Street, Lismore. The unveiling ceremony took place on 20 September 1919, alongside the peace celebrations. A detailed report appeared in the Tweed Daily on 24 September. Major Campbell, an original Anzac, marshalled the procession, which included 100 men in uniform, the local band, children from Burringbar and surrounding areas, the Girls' Guild, the M.U.I.O.O.F. and members of the public. The official proceedings began at 11.30am, with special guests and dignitaries taking the stage, including Mr W.L. Murphy, President of the Patriotic Committee; Councillor Buchanan, Shire President; and Major Campbell. Ex-students from Burringbar schools who served in the war presented the assembled children with peace medals and Mr Murphy unveiled the monument. The audience was also asked to donate to the balance owing on the memorial and to start a fund to maintain the reserve and monument. This appeal raised 30 pounds. The ceremony ended with a procession marching to the sports and picnic grounds for a carnival.  Various commemorative services are held at the site throughout the year.