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Austinmer War Memorial

Austinmer War Memorial
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Austinmer War Memorial after refurbishments in 2019
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'Lest we forget' wall next to Austinmer War Memorial
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Description / Background

The Austinmer War Memorial consists of a polished granite obelisk, about 2 metres high, placed on a stone base. Inscribed on the obelisk are the names of local residents who fought in the First World War, including four that were killed.

Originally dedicated on 26 January 1922, inscriptions and names for the Second World War and other conflicts have been added to the sides of the obelisk at a later date. All the names and text on the memorial is in gilt lettering. 

Wollongong City Council undertook works to upgrade the memorial in 2019, to address the uneven and sloping surfaces and provide access for all. Council liaised with members of the Austinmer RSL sub-Branch and the Austinmer Surf Life Saving Club (S.L.S.C.) on these improvements. The works included a new level area of paving around the memorial, a stone-clad precinct wall, and a new accessible pathway linking the grassed footway area along Lawrence Hargrave Drive and the beach promenade. The wall bears the words 'Lest we forget' in gold and incorporates a matching plinth, with two plaques explaining the history of Anzac. 

The monument is set in the public park adjoining Austinmer Beach and the Austinmer S.L.S.C. It is accompanied by a flagpole. 

Statement of significance provided by Wollongong City Council, April 2022:

Austinmer War Memorial is of significance for the Wollongong area for historical reasons due to its ability to interpret the history of the area, for associations with the commemorated persons and events, for social reasons due to the importance that the monument has in the wider community, for aesthetic reasons as a local landmark, and as a representative example of monuments that make a major contribution to Austinmer's townscape character. The monument is of major importance for the local community's sense of place.

Inscription

Obelisk - front

Austinmer

War Memorial

Their name

liveth for evermore

Erected by

people of Austinmer

in grateful memory of

those who served in the

Great War 1914–1918

also in memory of

those who served in

1939–1945

War

Korean & Vietnam

Wars

Unveiled by

Mrs. S. Cheadle

26th January 1922

Obelisk - left side

[Names]

Obelisk - right side

Killed in action

[Names]

Obelisk - back

[Names]

This stone was laid by

Mrs D. Dodds

and records placed by 

Mrs J. Bell

2nd Jan 1922.

Veterans listed on this memorial

Veterans listed on this memorial

Last held rank Given name Family name Conflict/s Service No. Service Campaign Read more
Rev O G Dent World War 1 view
E Ferguson view
W Halliday view
R Hill view
M W Jones view
C S Latham view
J M Lett World War 1 view
A Mathers view
P Owens view
G W Pratt World War 1 view

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Address
Austinmer Beach
125 Lawrence Hargrave Drive
Austinmer NSW 2515
Local Government Area
Wollongong, City of
Setting
Roadside
Location status
Original location
Memorial type
Obelisk
Recorded by
Wollongong City Council. Austinmer Public School. Mount Ousley Public School.
Year of construction
1922
Dedication date
26 January 1922
Conflict/s
First World War, 1914–18
Second World War, 1939–45
Korean War, 1950–53
Vietnam War, 1962–75
Materials
Granite