Sarina War Memorial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sarina War Memorial |
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Sarina War Memorial, 2014
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| Location | Broad Street, Sarina, Mackay Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1914 – 1919 (World War I) |
| Built | 1919 |
| Official name: Sarina War Memorial | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 5 December 1997 |
| Reference no. | 601291 |
| Significant period | 1919– (social) 1919 (historical, fabric) |
| Significant components | statue, bollards, fence/wall – perimeter, plaque, memorial – soldier statue |
| Builders | Melrose and Fenwick |
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The Sarina War Memorial is a special monument in Sarina, Australia. It was built in 1919 by a company called Melrose and Fenwick. This memorial remembers the brave local men from Sarina and the surrounding area who served in World War I. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on December 5, 1997, which means it's an important historical site.
Contents
Remembering Our Heroes: The Memorial's Story
The Sarina War Memorial was put up for the ANZAC Day ceremonies in 1919. People in the community raised money to build it. The memorial was officially revealed on October 2, 1920. Mrs. Lucy Ada Heron, whose son Leslie Lionel Heron was killed in the war, did the honors.
Why War Memorials Are Important
Before the early 1900s, there weren't many statues or monuments in Queensland. But after World War I (1914–1918), memorials were built in almost every town. This showed how much people grieved for those who died and how proud they were of their country.
The First World War had a huge impact on Australia. Nearly one in five Australians who went to war did not come home. Many families lost more than one son. Some small towns even lost a whole generation of young men.
In 1916, the British Government said that bodies of soldiers could not be brought home. This meant families couldn't visit their loved ones' graves far away. So, war memorials became a way for people to mourn together. They were seen as cenotaphs, which means "empty tombs."
These memorials were placed in important spots. They became symbols of remembrance, almost as sacred as real grave sites. Because of this, the materials, design, and symbols used were chosen to show lasting respect and memory.
ANZAC Day and Remembrance
Queensland was the first state to make ANZAC Day a day of remembrance in 1916. They encouraged other states to join them in making April 25 a national day to remember. People hoped that future generations would continue this tradition and respect the memorials.
What Memorials Tell Us
These memorials are important because of what they represent and what they record. Many memorials list the local men who served and died in World War I. They also sometimes include details about the unveiling ceremonies or the groups that raised money. This makes them valuable historical documents.
It's hard to find out where a specific soldier was from using other records. Those records are usually listed by name or army unit. So, these memorials are often the only easy way to find out where the men who served and died came from.
The "Digger" Statue
There are many types of memorials in Queensland, but the "digger" statue is the most common. A "digger" is a term for an Australian soldier. Communities often chose this statue because it showed the Anzac spirit. This spirit represents qualities like loyalty, courage, youth, and strength.
Most of these statues were made by local stone carving companies. Some were made by artists or brought in from other places. They had small differences in design to fit what each community wanted.
Melrose and Fenwick, who made the Sarina memorial, were a stone carving company from Townsville. They started around 1896. They were a big company with offices across Northern Queensland. They made many war memorials for that area and stayed in business until the early 1980s.
What the Memorial Looks Like
The Sarina War Memorial is in the middle of a street, facing west.
The Statue and Base
The memorial has a statue of a soldier standing on a tall base. It's surrounded by two fences. The first fence is on the platform where the memorial sits. It has stone posts linked by metal rails. Beyond this, another fence with short metal posts and a metal chain forms a protective circle around the memorial.
The memorial itself sits on a base with five steps, each a different size. The top two steps have sloped edges. On top of this is the main part of the base, called a plinth. It has decorative carvings and a flat section called a dado.
Plaques and Details
Both the plinth and the dado have marble plaques. The dado has the names of those who died in the war. The plinth has special verses to remember them. On top of the dado is a large decorative top piece, and on that stands the soldier statue.
The soldier statue has his head slightly bowed. His hands are crossed over a rifle, which is held upside down and rests on his left boot. There's a tree stump behind the statue to help support it.
Why This Memorial Is Important
The Sarina War Memorial was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on December 5, 1997. This means it meets certain rules that show its importance.
A Piece of Queensland's History
War memorials like this one show how Queensland's history has changed. They represent a time when most towns across the state built these monuments. They also show how much Australian pride and national feeling there was, especially during and after World War I.
Showing How Memorials Are Designed
This memorial is a great example of a monument built to remember a big historical event. It uses important symbols like the soldier statue, lists of names, and special phrases. As a "digger" statue, it's a common type of memorial found in Queensland.
Beautiful Design and Craftsmanship
The memorial and its location are a landmark in Sarina. They make the street look special. The memorial is also important because of its excellent design and how well it was made.
Special Meaning for the Community
This memorial has a strong and ongoing connection with the Sarina community. It shows the lasting impact of a major historical event. It's also a central place for people to remember that event.
Connection to Important Builders
The memorial also has a special link to the Townsville stone carving company, Melrose and Fenwick. They were important builders in Queensland's history.
