Upper Castlereagh First World War Memorial

This war memorial is a polished stone obelisk, featuring an inscribed dedication and honour roll. The obelisk is set on a larger, stepped-stone base and has plaques attached. It is located at the site of the Upper Castlereagh School, which was opened as a public school in March 1879 and closed in December 1975.

On 11 March 1922, a meeting of the Honour Roll Committee was held at the school to arrange the unveiling of the monument. As reported in the Nepean Times, 18 March 1922 a suggestion was made that the event take place on Anzac Day. Another meeting would be held on 25 March to make final arrangements. 

Despite these plans, the memorial was not unveiled. Four years later the Nepean Times, 20 November 1926, reported it had been decided not to unveil the monument until the whole of the debt has been paid off. The ladies of Castlereagh took action to plan a concert and dance to be held in the Council Chambers on 4 December to raise the necessary funds. 

The unveiling finally took place on Empire Day in May 1929 at the school, organised by the Parents and Citizens' Association (P&C). Some 65 pupils and 45 parents gathered for the occasion, along with local clergy. Mr Charles Carter presided and the children performed patriotic songs and recitations. Reverend James Barr spoke of loyalty to the Empire and then Empire medals were presented to 12 families. Races were held and a prize was presented to each child by the P&C. After tea, the assembly moved to the monument where addresses were given by the chairman of the P&C, Mr W.E. Lance, and Mr J. Jackson M.L.A. Returned solider Mr Joe Carter unveiled the memorial and the National Anthem was sung, led by Reverend D.C. Hughes.