AFTER nearly a decade of hard work, ample sweat, and a few trials and tribulations, the doors to Moree RSL Regional Military Museum were last month opened to the public for the first time.
The museum shares the former War Memorial Education Centre and old town library building with the Dhiiyaan Centre, and has been a work in progress for eight years.
The “soft’ opening was a long time coming, with Moree RSL Sub-Branch president John Williams welcoming visitors and guests, including Moree Plains Shire deputy mayor Susannah Pearse and Tourism Moree chair Vivien Clyne.
“We’ve been operational committee-wise for eight years. There’s been a few hiccups along the way, but we’re open at long last,” Mr Williams smiled.
“The hard work has been done by a core group of about five people, and it’s amazing what those people have achieved.
“I am absolutely thrilled. It’s so important we were given this space by the council, because it’s actually a war memorial building, built and paid for many years ago by the citizens of Moree,” Mr Williams said.
The museum currently exhibits more than 500 items as well as an extensive library holding 800 books.
“We have another 3000 books to catalogue, and another 500 exhibits in storage,” Mr Williams said.
Deputy mayor Susannah Pearse was mesmerised as she explored the museum.
“This is a phenomenal achievement, and demonstrates what community can do with a very small amount of money,” Cr Pearse said.
“To think this has all come together with a grant that was under $100,000 is a real credit to the committee and the RSL sub-branch.
“What they’ve done is amazing, and demonstrates the power of what can happen when a community gets together.
“And what this committee has delivered is an impressive, regional facility that will not only benefit our community, but school and community groups from outside the region,” she said.
The deputy mayor has close, family ties with the armed forces.
“I’m a daughter of two army officers,” Cr Pearse said.
“My father was a lieutenant-colonel who served in Vietnam and my mother was a captain in the Royal Women’s Australian Army Corps.
“My grandfather served in Papua New Guinea in World War II and my great-grandfather served in Gallipoli and the Somme, and was taken prisoner-of-war in France, so the respect and value I have for the defence force is in my breeding,” she said.
“As a former army brat I’ve got quite a soft spot for recognising the service of our defence force and I know the Moree plains and regional areas were well-represented in times of conflict.
“I think it’s appropriate we have this museum, and I think it’s a real testament to the committee and RSL Sub-Branch with what they’ve delivered,” Cr Pearse said.
Sub-branch president John Williams was a proud man at the “soft” opening – an official opening will be held later in the year.
Mr Williams served his country in the Vietnam conflict. Now, more than 50 years later, he is still serving his country and the community he loves.
“I went to Vietnam and served my time in the 5th battalion,” Mr Williams said.
“A lot of people didn’t like the idea of national service, but I felt I had a responsibility to the government and to the country, and that’s why I went.”
The proud Vietnam vet said the memories of all men and women who went to war need to be preserved.
“This museum is one way of achieving that – the memories have got to be kept alive for a long, long time,” Mr Williams said.
Museum executive member Darryl Brady said the museum will be open to the public each Friday and Saturday between 10am to 4pm (Fridays) and 10am and 2pm Saturdays.
“We will try and make those days and hours ongoing,” Mr Brady said.
“Our first week wasn’t the official opening, only a soft opening at this stage. We hope to get a military dignitary to Moree later in the year to officially open the museum. We’re working on a date in September.”
Words and Images: Bill Poulos
