Mallanganee Memorial Park and Gates

The entrance to the Mallanganee Memorial Park is marked by a memorial gateway. The gates consist of a two-tone brick archway, with three pillars and a curved top section. Attached to the two main pillars are metal honour rolls for the First and Second World Wars. Initially they were made of marble, but they have been replaced by bronze versions in recent times.

The gates were constructed by Mr S.F. Wheeler of Sydney, following the design of the Mallanganee Park Committee. The project was funded by public subscription. A photo of the finished gates appeared in the Northern Star on 7 October 1949 and reported that Armistice Day, 11 November, had been selected for the opening of the gates. However, the event did not take place until 10 November 1951.

A public holiday was declared for the occasion and more than 400 people attended. On the day, a procession started from the Mallanganee Memorial Hall, led by the Byron Band of the Scottish Regiment, followed by members of the local RSL, visitors from the RSL’s of Tabulam, Bonalbo and Mullulgum, the Red Cross, Junior Red Cross and school children. The officially opening and dedication of the gates and honour roll plaques was performed by Lt. Col. the Hon M.F. Bruxner D.S.O. M.L.A. Other speakers included Mr C. Alvos, President of the Mallanganee RSL; Councillor Hardy of Kyogle Shire Council, who had sponsored purchase of the memorial park; and Mr L.C. Harris, F.N.C. Councillor of the RSL. A basket picnic and sports day was held afterwards in the park (Northern Star, 16 November 1951).

Inset on the brick wall to the left of the gates is a marble relief sculpture, created by Father John Casey. It is based on a photograph of the Australian serviceman George Whittington taken by the New Zealand photographer George Silk. Whittington had been blinded in action. The image shows Whittington being led by a young Papua New Guinean, Raphael Oimbari, on Christmas Day 1942. The sculpture was dedicated by Father Casey on 25 April 1989.

The sculpture is accompanied by a metal plaque, attached to the brickwork above. The plaque states that Whittington died in the arms of Oembari two days later, after receiving his wounds. However, Whittington was wounded in action on 24 December 1942 and died of disease (scrub typhus) in hospital on 12 February 1943.  

Various commemorative functions are held at this site throughout the year.