His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor of New South Wales will aid Gunnedah in marking its contribution to the state-wide soil collection for the Anzac Memorial Centenary Project.

The Project is the multi-million dollar redevelopment of NSW’s pre-eminent memorial to the contribution of NSW and Australian veterans to the First World War in Hyde Park, Sydney. It will feature an artwork developed by artist Fiona Hall alongside Sydney architect Richard Johnson, displaying soil collected from approximately 1700 locations across NSW, including Gunnedah.

The place names from which the soil is collected are taken from the database of Great War enlistees, summing up the geographical reach of the call to serve.

An official soil collection will take place at the Gunnedah Cenotaph on Wednesday, 13 September from 9:45am.

“We are honoured the Governor of NSW will be available to mark this poignant event with Gunnedah,” Anzac Working Group Chair Owen Hasler said.

“The Gunnedah Historical Society’s book, In the Line of Fire amply demonstrates how over 500 men from the Gunnedah District were prepared to sacrifice their lives for their nation and the soil collection process is a fitting memorial to their courage and their families support and sacrifice.

“The soil collection ritual allows Gunnedah to remember their own and then bring together other communities from across NSW in the final artwork for a very moving tribute.”

During his visit, the Governor will also attend the 2017 Mayoral Dinner on Wednesday evening, where he has been invited as guest speaker.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.