24 September 2018

This year commemorates the Centenary of Anzac and preparations are well underway for a Remembrance Day Concert and Ceremony to be held at the historic Tambar Springs Cenotaph.
The event will commence at 10.00am on Sunday, 11 November 2018.
Centenary of Anzac Working Group Chairperson, Cr Owen Hasler, said the event will be an important occasion in the Shire’s calendar.
“The Remembrance Day Ceremony at Tambar Springs recognises the Tambar Cenotaph’s 100-year anniversary in 2018, making it one of the earliest memorials in Australia,” Cr Hasler said.
“It is fitting that we are able to acknowledge this on Remembrance Day, marking 100 years since the end of World War One.”
The Centenary of Anzac Working Group received financial support from the Federal Government through an Armistice Centenary Grant and funds from both the Tambar Springs Progress Association and the Gunnedah RSL Sub-branch.
“The funding will allow work to be undertaken in the park area surrounding the Cenotaph and has given us the flexibility to conduct an expanded program on 11 November,” Cr Hasler said.
Local historian, Ron McLean, is compiling a booklet depicting the history of the monument and the role of a number of the Tambar Springs district “diggers” who received decorations as a result of their service and sacrifice in World War One.
A new sign designed by Mr McLean depicting the history of the monument will be erected at the entrance to the park.
Tambar Springs Progress Association Secretary Robyn Styles said they are pleased to have the opportunity to showcase their community.
“We are looking forward to the ceremony and are happy to jointly fund the event and help conduct the historic day,” Ms Styles said.
“Those who attend will not be disappointed with our hospitality and they will get to see the marvellous view that we have overlooking the great Liverpool Plains to the east of the village.”
The program will commence at 10.00am, with performances by the Gunnedah Shire Band, singer Tammy Clark and students from the Gunnedah Conservatorium of Music, as well as guest speakers.
The formal Remembrance Day Service will begin at 10.55am, followed by a minute silence at 11.00am.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton will lead the list of official guests at the event.
The Centenary of Anzac Working Group has conducted 12 major events over the last five years in recognition of the sacrifice made by ex-servicemen in World War One, and Cr Hasler encourages everyone to attend the final event in the program.
“Given the historic significance of this monument at Tambar Springs, we believe the Remembrance Day Service will be a worthy one.”

Photo Caption: Tambar Springs R.S.L. Sub-branch member Carol Lees, Gunnedah R.S.L. Sub-branch President Peter Clarke, Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton and Centenary of Anzac Working Group Chair Cr Owen Hasler prepare for the Remembrance Day Centenary of Anzac event.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.