Wyalong First World War Soldiers Memorial Hall

The memorial hall is built of brick with two large, white marble tablet honour rolls situated at the front of the building.  The building is typical of the Federation Period displaying curved windows, a gabled front with render and timber work characteristic of the 1920s. The honour rolls record the names of First World War soldiers from the municipality, with one tablet recording those who served, and the other those who died in service. 

The foundation stone was laid by the Mayor of Wyalong, Dr F C S Shaw, on 21 September 1920 in front of a large crowd. In reporting the event, the Cootamundra Herald, 1 October 1920, acknowledged the fundraising efforts of the local ladies, particularly those of the Red Cross, who had raised nearly £1,000 for the project. 

The memorial hall was officially opened on 11 May 1921. The Wyalong Advocate and Mining, Agricultural and Pastoral Gazette, 13 May 1921, described the memorial hall as a substantial and picturesque building erected in conjunction with the old School of Arts building. The artistic design and splendid workmanship, reflecting the skills of the architect, Mr E R Laver, the contractor, Mr W Stephenson, and the Committee and people of the district who organised and subscribed to bring the scheme to fruition. 

The Mayor presided over the opening ceremony which was attended by numerous guests including the President and Secretary of the RSSILA, clergymen, representatives of the Red Cross and Win the War League, and returned soldiers. Mrs Shaw unfurled the Union Jack over the Memorial Hall, amidst cheering and the National Anthem. The guest of honour Major General Sir Charles Rosenthal was presented with a gold key and declared the hall open. After which the honour roll and memorial tablets were unveiled by two mothers of fallen soldiers, Mrs Lonergan and Mrs Sutcliffe.