Boomi First World War Memorial Hall and Second World War Memorial Gates

About

Boomi War Memorial Hall A meeting of Boomi and District residents met in the Pioneer Hall on 21 February 1920. The Moree Gwydir Examiner, 1 March 1920 reported that "it was decided to erect a suitable hall in memory of the men from the district who made the supreme sacrifice in the recent war." A committee was formed and a number of those in attendance expressed a willingness to act as guarantors. The newspaper continued to publish the names of donors. Funds also came from the Boomi Amateur Jockey Club. The Boomi War Memorial Hall was opened by Mrs Campbell, who was known as 'the 'Diggers' Mother', on 8 November 1921. The opening was hugely successful, with hundreds of people from the area gathering to celebrate. Mr Wearne M.L.A., called on Mrs Campbell to open the door to the hall for the first time, which was met with great applause. Mr Wearne proceeded to say how much pleasure it gave to him to be present, and particularly to see the hall opened by Mrs Campbell.  Coming from an affluent background, Mrs Campbell spent her money assisting the soldiers during the First World War. She met every train that passed through Narrabri during the war years. "She also regularly corresponded with over 500 soldiers at the front." She was 81 at the time of the hall's opening and died in 1925, aged 85 (North Western Courier, 17 November 1921). Designed by S.M. Becher, the Boomi Memorial Hall was proclaimed under the Theatres and Public Halls Act 1908 on 30 July 1921 (N.S.W. Government Gazette, 5 August 1921, p.4647). The Boomi and District Public Great War Honour Roll is also located inside the hall.  Memorial gates A striking stone arch marks the entrance to the hall. First proposed in 1946, the gates were erected in honour of those who served in the Second World War. The lintel bears an Australian Imperial Forces badge and the words 'Lest we forget'. A dedication is inscribed on one pillar.

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