MOREE Plains Shire Council will close a section of Balo Street for one-and-a-half hours on Monday, November 11, as Moree RSL Sub-Branch honours Remembrance Day on the steps on Moree War Memorial Hall.
Balo Street will be closed to traffic between Heber and Gwydir Streets from 10am until 11.30am on Monday.
The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – Remembrance Day – is a time to not only remember those who have given their lives in service, but also to reflect on the historical events that led to such a day of international importance.
November 11 marks the anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War 1, and Remembrance Day acknowledges all service personnel who died while serving, whether in wars, conflicts or peacekeeping operations.
Moree sub-branch president, John Williams, said November 11 was an important date on the international calendar.
“The involvement of Moree RSL is very important, because it’s remembrance of two world wars – when they finished, and all those who were lost in those world wars and other conflicts,” Mr Williams said.
“I think it’s very important people show respect and remember those who made this a better country in which to live.
“I can’t thank the council enough. They’ve been so helpful by closing the road and doing everything to make the ceremony possible,” he said.
“They’ve helped us advertise the venue and printed flyers to distribute around Moree – they been very, very helpful.”
Moree Plains Shire Council mayor Susannah Pearse encourages everyone to stop and pause for one minute on Monday and remember the fallen.
“Remembrance Day is so important (and a day) to remind us of the sacrifices made by ordinary people, including from our region, for the liberties of the many,” Cr Pearse said.
“The First World War was in its time the most destructive conflict experienced by humanity. More than 60,000 Australians lost their lives, a devastating toll for a small country.
“Thanks to the Moree RSL Sub-Branch for holding this year’s Remembrance Day ceremony at the Moree War Memorial Hall and for bringing the community together to solemnly give pause.
“I encourage all residents of the Moree Plains, whether you can attend the event in Moree or not, whether you’re on a header or at a desk, please stop for just one minute and turn your thoughts to not only those who fell, but all that have served and given so much for the peace and liberties that we are fortunate to enjoy today,” Cr Pearse said.
Federal Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh, said Australians will come together to honour all those who have served and sacrificed for the nation.
“As we mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, and 25 years of Australian service in Timor-Leste, this Remembrance Day will be an opportunity to reflect on the courage of those who have served our nation half a world away, as well as those who have worked to keep the peace in our region,” Mr Keogh said.
Remembrance Day badges are also being sold around Moree.
Sub-branch treasurer Darryl Brady will call into shops and businesses across town during the days leading up to the ceremony.
“I’ll sell badges up until Remembrance Day, and on the day until 10.30am when we form up at the Memorial Hall for the service,” Mr Brady said.
“I’ll try and get around town door-to-door to all the shops, businesses and retail outlets
Moree RSL Sub-Branch will begin the Remembrance Day Service at 10.45am at the Moree War Memorial Town Hall on Monday, November 11.
Meanwhile, Minister for Veterans David Harris announced $128,358 in NSW Government funding for care and upkeep of 15 war memorials across the state.
The $2000 to $15,000 grants have been awarded to local councils, RSL sub-branches and community groups throughout metropolitan, regional and rural NSW.
Minister Harris was in Broken Hill on Thursday to announce $10,000 has been awarded to Broken Hill City Council for conservation work on the town’s Great War Memorial.
Dubbed ‘the Bomber’, the memorial comprises an imposing bronze sculpture of an Australian First World War soldier throwing a Mills bomb.
“Our communities are proud of their military history, and it is wonderful to announce this funding for local war memorials across the state,” Mr Harris said.
“Local war memorials like the Great War Memorial here in Broken Hill, are a vital part of our culture. Ensuring they are supported with appropriate conservation and upkeep will help us to continue to reflect on over 100 years of service and sacrifice by our veterans.
“I encourage all communities to review the status of their local war memorials and to apply for funding for any restoration work that is needed,” he said.
Twenty-six applications were received in this round of grants. Round 2 of the grant program will open on Monday.
For more information visit https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/heritage/community-war-memorials-fund/
