The Macclesfield RSL Sub Branch is preparing to mark 100 years since the unveiling of the town’s war memorial.
The memorial was conceived in the early 1920s by local residents determined to honour those who served in the First World War. Despite post-war financial hardship, the community fundraised to bring the project to life, sourcing local marble and commissioning Adelaide stonemasons to complete the work.
Ahead of this Sunday’s centenary service, the RSL has gained rare insight into the memorial’s origins following the unexpected discovery of the original planning committee minute book, dating back to 1922.
Macclesfield RSL Sub Branch President Dennis Oldenhove described it as a “total twist of fate” that the book found its way back to the town.
“Somebody had sent the Stirling Library a minute book they’d bought at the Stirling Market many, many years ago in a box of junk,” he told ARN’s Adam and Jennie.
“That family had moved to Tasmania and at some stage the lady died. The husband was cleaning out the shed, found this old notebook and thought, ‘That looks important,’ so he sent it to the Stirling Library. They contacted us and it was the original committee’s minute book to erect the war memorial – basically from their first meeting through to their last.”
The handwritten pages detail fundraising efforts, design decisions and the names of those involved in establishing the monument.
“Some were common names and influential people in the town, but there were others who either had a son or a daughter who served and or made the ultimate sacrifice,” Oldenhove said.
“You can see the motivation – why they wanted the monument erected and why they were keen to get involved to make it happen.”
Since its unveiling in March 1926, the memorial has been the focal point for Anzac Day services and stands as a reminder of the region’s contribution to national service.
Research by the sub-branch indicates more than 750 people from the town and surrounding district have served in uniform across conflicts – from frontline soldiers to nurses and wartime industry workers.
The commemorative service this Sunday the 1st of March begins at 10am and will include official guests, including the South Australian Governor, and descendants of those named on the memorial.
