MemorialsPatrick McNamee Anzac Memorial Park
About
Patrick McNamee Anzac Memorial Park was established in 1938. It was named after Patrick McNamee, who previously donated the land for use as a war memorial site in 1918. It contains the Bonalbo and District War Memorial, a gun and 28 rose bushes, one for each of the fallen listed on the honour rolls on the memorial. The creation of the park was the work of returned soldiers from the district, assisted by the Bonalbo Hall Committee and the community. Nearly all of the materials were donated and all the work was voluntary. The park featured a timber gateway and an elegant three-rail timber fence. Planted on site were rose bushes, rock gardens and a rose trellis. A photograph of the park with gate and fence appeared in the Northern Star on 7 November 1938. The park was dedicated in a ceremony on 11 November 1938. During his speech, president of the Bonalbo Branch of the RSL Mr W.R. Cooke explained the history of the site. After the First World War, a memorial hall was built on land donated by the late Mr McNamee. The hall was later destroyed by fire and a new hall was constructed on an adjoining block, leaving the original land vacant. However, its transformation into a beautiful park had only taken place recently. Mr G. Lovett, RSL councillor for the North Coast, officially opened the park and the gates were officially opened by Mrs B. Robertson, who was the president of the Bonalbo branch of the Red Cross Society and also served abroad as a nurse in the Great War (Northern Star, 14 November 1938). The park is used for various commemorative services throughout the year.