This year on Anzac Day marks the 100th anniversary of the unveiling and dedication of the War Memorial Cenotaph in Victoria Park, Dubbo.
The War Memorial was built with funds raised by the local community (and many ex-service personnel) to commemorate the fallen from the First World War.
Dedications have since been added to commemorate the Second World War and conflicts in Korea, Malaysia, Borneo and Vietnam.
The War Memorial was designed by Sydney Architects H Crone and R.W Hinton, who won a design competition, beating 55 other applicants.
It was built by Sydney builder Robert Wall and Sons.
“The War Memorial Cenotaph is significant and central symbol for the Anzac Day services in Dubbo each year. It is here we come to reflect and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” Dubbo RSL Sub-branch President, Shaun Graham said.
“The RSL Sub-branch has organised with the Dubbo Men’s Shed to create 256 crosses to represent the soldiers’ names in the vault. These crosses will be given to special guests at the service and members of the public to place in the grass at the foot of the cenotaph.”
“We would also like to put the call out to any families or decedents of World War One personnel in the Dubbo region who would like to be involved in the service buy laying a cross to contact the RSL Sub-branch,” Mr Graham said.
To commemorate the 100 years of the War Memorial Cenotaph the Western Plains Cultural Centre has also curated historical information on its website about the monument.
“A postcard highlighting the War Memorial Cenotaph’s history will be distributed at the morning Anzac Day service to attendees with a link to the website for the community to learn, appreciate and reflect on the history of this monument and its meaning,” Dubbo Regional Council Local Studies Officer, Simone Taylor said.
This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
Anzac Day services will be held in Dubbo, Wellington and several villages in the region.
For times and locations visit www.dubbo.nsw.gov.au/community-groups/community-awards-and-tours/civic-events-and-ceremonies.
To read the history of the War Memorial Cenotaph in Dubbo visit www.westernplainsculturalcentre.org/dubbocenotaph