Historical information
Granted Charter - 29th November 1929
First President - Mr. A.L. Francis
First meeting location - School of Arts, Campbell Street, Blacktown
Current premises completed - 1968
Opened by Governor of NSW - Sir Roden Cutler V.C., K.C.M.G., C.B.E. on 27th July 1968.
Cenotaph rededicated - ANZAC Sunday, 19th April 1998
Members of Management Committee
- Mr. Alf Ross J.P. (Mr. J. Brown currently on the Central Coast)
Where we are in 1999
Number of members - 525(Increased 5% from 1998)
Number of Life Members - Eight (8)
Meritorious Medal Holders - Mr. Alf Ross J.P. (Highest RSL Award) Mr. Bill Norris
Current Executive - President Mr. Chris Perrin, ex RAN Gulf War Honorary Secretary Mr. Kevin Johnston, ex RAN, ex M. N. Honorary Treasurer Mr. George Smith, O.A.M. ex 7th Div. AIF, WWII Senior V.P. Mr. Slim Rayner, ex 3RAR, Korea Junior V.P Mr. Bill Norris, ex 9th Division, AIF, WWII
70th Anniversary Committee - the Executive, Messrs Bob Parish, Eric Coombes, Jim Wilson, Ray Basten and Lindsay Baker.
Memorial Garden construction commenced - November 1998 MEMORIAL GARDEN
The centrepiece of the garden is a Sundial, back dropped by seven sandstone flagstones. Each flagstone has a cast of a torch and a plaque which represents a particular conflict or group of Australian Servicemen & Women.
The sundial pedestal carries the emblems of the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, Royal Australian Air Force and Merchant Navy. The sundial face has a RSL crest cast into it, along with an excerpt from Laurance Binyon’s Ode to the Fallen. The excerpt used is ‘ At the going down of the Sun, and in the morning, we will remember them – Lest we forget. The significance of the sundial is synonymous with Binyon’s words, and is considered self explanatory.
The flagstones can be used to represent seven days of the week, giving the emphasis to the meaning that we will never forget. On ANZAC Day 365 cross’s will be placed on the grass to represent the 365 days of the year to further enhance our commitment not to forget our comrades.
Between the flagstones Rosemary bushes will be planted. Rosemary is traditionally the plant of remembrance and is worn on ANZAC & Remembrance days by ex-servicemen & women and the general public. The plaques on the flagstones read, (from left to right, whilst looking at the gardens from the street):-
Boer War
World War I
World War II
Korean War
Malayan Emergency
Vietnam War
Women’s Services/ Gulf War/Peacekeeping Forces
The original concept of the Sundial came from Mr. Bob Brown ex RAEME, Korea. The final shape and design was a concert of efforts by Mr. Bob Brown ex RAEME, Korea , Mr Bill Norris ex 9th Division AIF WWII and Mr. Paul Tangye. The creative work and gardening was carried out by Mr. Paul Tangye, RSL Club Green Keeper and his dedicated staff.
Neville Vaughan, a local builder, arranged the castings. Cunneen & CO Pty Ltd at Granville cast the plaques, crests and torches. The Sundial was cast by Sundial (Aust ) P/L Adelaide The sandstone blocks were fashioned by Australian Stone P/L Penrith
Our thanks and eternal gratitude go to all those whose vision and perseverance allowed the construction of this magnificent memorial to the honour of our Armed Services.
The memorial garden is to be dedicated on 27th November 1999 by Padre Gary Lock (C of E), Father Peter Lamond (RC) and Rev Malcolm Coombes (Uniting). On completion of the dedication, His Excellency, the Honourable Gordon Samuels AC, Governor of New South Wales will officially open the garden
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