Goondiwindi War Memorial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Goondiwindi War Memorial |
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War Memorial Gates, 2009
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| Location | Marshall Street, Goondiwindi, Goondiwindi Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1919 - 1930s (interwar period) |
| Built | 1922, 1949 |
| Official name: Goondiwindi War Memorial, Memorial Gates, The Soldiers' Memorial (Digger Statue) | |
| Type | state heritage (built, landscape) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600532 |
| Significant period | 1922- (social) 1922-1949 (historical, fabric) |
| Significant components | memorial - soldier statue, pathway/walkway, memorial - gate/s, trees/plantings |
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The Goondiwindi War Memorial is a special place in Goondiwindi, Queensland, Australia. It helps us remember the brave soldiers who fought in wars. This memorial has two main parts: a statue of a soldier from World War I (built in 1922) and memorial gates for World War II (built in 1949).
It is also known as the Memorial Gates or The Soldiers' Memorial (Digger Statue). This important site was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992.
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Remembering Our Heroes
The Goondiwindi War Memorial was created to remember soldiers from both World War I and World War II. It includes a statue of a "Digger" (an Australian soldier) and a set of memorial gates.
The First World War Monument
The statue, called The Soldiers' Monument, was first put up in Herbert Street. It cost about £1 800 at the time. Sir Matthew Nathan, who was the Governor of Queensland, officially opened it on 21 September 1922. He was visiting Goondiwindi to see a solar eclipse. A local committee likely helped raise money and build this monument.
The Second World War Gates
In 1949, the Digger statue was moved to its current spot. This happened when the World War II Memorial Gates were built. More than £2,844 was spent on moving the statue and building the new gates.
The Goondiwindi War Memorial Committee built the gates. Sir Thomas William Glasgow, a famous Australian soldier and politician, opened them in April 1949. After the ceremony, the keys to the gates were given to Alderman F Vetter. This showed that the town was now responsible for looking after the memorial.
What the Memorial Looks Like
The Goondiwindi War Memorial is at the western end of Goondiwindi's main street. It is located in the south-eastern part of the Goondiwindi Memorial Park. The memorial has the Digger monument from World War I and the memorial gates from World War II.
The Digger Statue
The Digger monument is about six metres tall. It stands in the middle of a large square area. This area is surrounded by poplar trees, hedges, silky oaks, and fig trees.
The statue itself is a life-sized grey sandstone Digger. It stands on a tall column made of red and grey polished granite. This column sits on a polished trachyte pedestal and a concrete base. The pedestal has shiny gilt writing on it. The Digger statue holds a rifle in its right hand.
The Memorial Gates
The memorial gates are made of sandstone pillars and fancy steel gates. There is a large central gateway with two smaller gateways on each side. The pillars have special sandstone parts and are topped with lights. The gates have circular patterns and crests.
The monument and gates are very well made from beautiful materials. When you see the monument and the poplar trees framed by the gates, it creates a very impressive and important sight in Goondiwindi.
Why It's Important
The Goondiwindi War Memorial is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. This means it is a very important historical site in Queensland. It was added to the list on 21 October 1992.
A Piece of History
This memorial helps us understand Queensland's history. It shows how people felt very patriotic and proud of their country during and after World War I. It reminds us of a time when many communities built memorials like this.
Beautiful Design
The memorial is also important because of its beauty. The Digger statue and gates are made with great skill and fine materials. The way the monument, trees, and gates are arranged makes the Goondiwindi town look special.
Community Connection
Finally, the memorial has a strong connection with the local community. It reminds people of the big impact that major historical events, like the World Wars, had on their town and families. It's a place for people to remember and reflect.
