The beautiful alpine town of Jindabyne in New South Wales is well-known for its picturesque location, nestled along the road to the outdoor playground of Kosciuszko National Park. Jindy, as it is affectionately called, has a compact and walkable town centre, which features several war memorials.
A special place for outdoor services
Starting on the southern shore of Lake Jindabyne, in Banjo Patterson Park, you will find the Jindabyne War Memorial. It consists of a collection of bushrocks and stone plinths, with six plaques attached. These include honour rolls for the First and Second World Wars and the Vietnam War, and plaques to commemorate those who served in the Korean War, conflicts and peacekeeping missions since 1975, and the National Service Scheme. This organically-inspired memorial also includes a flagpole and is surrounded by a wide expanse of lawn, suitable for large groups to gather to pay their respects during Anzac Day and other commemorative events.
A valued community facility
As you head away from the lake, the Jindabyne Memorial Hall sits on the slope leading up to town, at the corner of Kosciuszko Road and Bay Street. The hall was erected in 1964, when Jindabyne was rebuilt prior to the original town being flooded as part of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme. It was officially opened by Councillor Leo Barry on 19 December.
Reporting on the overall progress of 'New Jindabyne', The Canberra Times (19 December 1964) said:
The hall is a memorial to men and women who served in the 1939-45 war. It was planned almost 20 years ago, but because of the Snowy Scheme the committee decided to wait until New Jindabyne was built.
Remembering our veterans
Located in the foyer are the Jindabyne Memorial Hall First and Second World War Rolls of Honour. These two bronze plaques contain the names of more than 130 veterans from the area, 15 of whom were killed in action or died of illness.
More to explore
On the other side of the lake, is the Kokoda Memorial in East Jindabyne. The focal point of the memorial is a two-metre-high granite bushrock, topped with a bronze digger's hat. It was created to honour members of the 3rd Battalion who served on the Kokoda Trail in the Second World War. It was dedicated on 2 November 1991.
The memorial is located at East Jindabyne Lookout, on Kosciuszko Road. The area was named Kokoda Memorial Park at a later date. It has picnic tables and offers sweeping views of Jindabyne and the lake from the lookout.
Help us record history
Do you have information about a veteran recorded on one of Jindabyne's honour rolls? We'd like to hear more about them. Contact the NSW War Memorials Register to find out more.
#LestWeForget
Image captions:
- Jindabyne War Memorial. Photograph taken by NSW War Memorials Register, March 2022.
- Jindabyne Memorial Hall (centre), Jindabyne Memorial Hall First and Second World War Rolls of Honour (left and right). Photographs taken by NSW War Memorials Register, March 2022.
- Kokoda Memorial, East Jindabyne. Photograph provided by Jindabyne East Residents Committee, 2021.