A large crowd of around 500 people gathered at Gunnago Park near the top stepping stones to celebrate the dedication of  the Anzac Memorial, which had been surrounded by red paper poppies for the occasion.

The memorial itself - a striking sculpted rock centrepiece surrounded by boulders symbolising the 34 WWI names on the Bombala Cenotaph - was much admired by all who attended.

This included the students of all of our local schools along with members of the RSL Sub-Branch, various Council and community group representatives and the general public.

Bombala Council Mayor, Bob Stewart greeted the crowd, giving welcome to the official party, as well as further special guests, including Southern Country Vice President of the RSL State Branch, Mr Tony Toussaint.  

This was followed by a series of thank yous to those involved in the establishment of the memorial, including the Anzac Memorial Committee and those who had provided the local boulders for the piece.

Cr Stewart explained that the memorial had been funded through the Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program, which had also funded the printing of a ‘Men from Snowy River March’ book, a further publication on our WWI troops by local high school students, and a Centenary of Anzac Memorial in Delegate.

Cr Stewart also gave some background on the development of our own memorial in Gunnago Park.

“The intention was to create a memorial which was unique and would stand here as a permanent recognition from our generation for the efforts of so many 100 years ago,” he said.

“What you see today is a sculpted basalt rock from Adelong titled ‘Dignity and Permanence’, created by world renowned Austrian rock sculptor, Andreas Buisman.

“It is installed, together with the boulders, to create a contemplative space, emanating dignity and the power of permanence.

“This memorial reflects the country from where these volunteer soldiers came, and hints at where they went.”

He explained that the rocks represent the young men from Bombala lost in WWI, and that a particularly prominent  boulder came from the property where one of them - Douglas Gordon Campbell - had grown up.

Following his words, Cr Stewart introduced the local Snowy Mob contingent of the RSL Rural Commemorative Youth Choir, which performed two songs during the dedication, both of which were warmly received by the gathering.

President of the Monaro and South Coast District Council of the RSL of Australia, Warren Thompson also made an address, congratulating the community on its memorial, and reminding us that the spirit of those being remembered is embodied in memorials such as ours.

“This memorial is a splendid example of a setting dedicated to reflection,” he said.

Federal Member for Eden-Monaro, Dr Peter Hendy read a message to the gathering on behalf of the Minister for Veterans Affairs and the Centenary of Anzac, the Hon Michael Ronaldson, before offering his own thoughts on the day.

“It’s important that we remember that this is not a glorification of war, it’s about acknowledging sacrifice, duty to country and protecting freedom, and acknowledging that these ordinary Australians were actually extraordinary,” he said.

Reverend Judy Holdsworth gave a Prayer of Remembrance and Dedication before Dr Hendy then officially dedicated the Anzac Memorial, and the ceremony was closed with the singing of the National Anthem, led by the young choir.

With that the gathering was treated to a traditional Aussie sausage sizzle and, much to the delight of the children in particular, an Anzac biscuit freshly baked by the Bombala Bakery to mark the day.   

For more photographs, please see our gallery http://www.bombalatimes.com.au/story/3034635/images-from-our-memorable-anzac-memorial-opening/?cs=533