Memorials
About
The memorial is an unusual inter-war period castellated gateway, slightly assymetrical in design. It is constructed of rock faced ashlar sandstone, with battlemented parapets and crenellated towers. There is a central arch plaqued in dressed sandstone, and four arched gateways with wrought iron gates, two each side of the central arch, for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Originally built to honour those who served in the First World War, a memorial sculpture has since been added to honour those who served in the Second World War and subsequent conflicts. The sculpture depicts an Australian serviceman standing free on his island home in a memorial fountain, with his rifle and helmet discarded, his country's freedom secured, but forever on the alert to safeguard the future. The approach along Junction Street connects the memorial to the town centre and accentuates the dramatic setting for the sculpture. The memorial is located at the entrance of the Nowra Showground. The gates were dedicated in 1931 and the architect was Cyril Blacket. The sculpture was dedicated in 1968 and the sculptor was O.L. Steen.