Wellington Cenotaph and Great War Memorial Gates

The Wellington Cenotaph is a composite stone monument, faced with an honour roll of those from the district who gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars and the Vietnam War. At the front of the memorial are the traditional three steps and wide footpaths leading up to it. The whole is surrounded by mature trees and the well-maintained gardens of Cameron Park in Wellington.

The cenotaph is topped by a bronze sculpture by famous Australian artist Gilbert Doble. The sculpture comprises of three figures. Seated in the centre is a representation of 'Australia', with a sword resting in her lap. The second figure represents the mothers of the enlistees and the third is 'History', recording the deeds of those who saw service in her book. They are supported by a marble base.

The cenotaph was first unveiled on 24 May 1933. A brief article appeared the day before in The Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate, which gave a detailed description of the memorial. It said the sculpture took seven years to create and was installed by W. Larcombe and Sons of Dubbo, who also did the stonework. 

The Second World War honour rolls were dedicated on Remembrance Sunday, 7 November 1948. The ceremony was organised by the Wellington RSL sub-Branch in conjunction with the Ministers' Fraternal on behalf of the Wellington Municipal Council. The Wellington Times published a detailed report on 11 November. Brigadier D. Macarthur Onslow DSO spoke at length of freedom and democracy. In addition to many residents, the function was attended by the RSL., Wellington Municipal Council, Macquarie and Cobbora Shire Councils, Boy Scouts and Cubs, the Country Women's Associations, and the Red Cross Society. Following his address, Brigadier Onslow performed the unveiling. 

Across from the cenotaph, at the entrance to the park, are a set of war memorial gates. They were a gift from prominent citizen Mr Murdoch McLeod, in honour of the men from Wellington who fought in the Great War. They were unveiled on 25 April 1923 (Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, 19 April 1923).

The cenotaph is the setting for a number of commemorative functions held throughout the year.