The memorial is a large timber and marble honour roll for the First World War. The decorative frame is made from polished red cedar and features a carved top piece, finials, and carved columns on each side. In the centre of the board are four white marble tablets, inscribed with the names of those who served. The names are highlighted in black and are divided into three groups. The top tablet lists those who were killed in action and "died since the war". The bottom three tablets list the other enlistees. The majority of the names are in alphabetical order. Attached to the bottom of the board are two bronze plaques, which are inscribed with the details of the dedication and unveiling.
The roll was the work of Chester Snow, a digger who is not listed on the roll. Mr W.S. Rays of Bangalow, NSW completed the timber portion of the memorial and its assembly; however, his staff did not create the four marble tablets. Upon completion, the Northern Star (9 June 1927) published a detailed description of the memorial:
The board is of red cedar, beautifully polished. It is 7ft. 6in. high and 4ft. 3in. wide. On each side is a massive pillar standing on a beautifully moulded base. The canopy top is surmounted by a raised shield on which are crossed rifles and flags in gold. At the base is a carved scroll with the words "Ballina Municipal Honour Roll, 1/6/27," printed in gold.
By 1927, the Ballina Municipality had not created its own memorial honour board. A movement was begun by the returned soldiers to erect a memorial with the names of those from the Ballina district who had enlisted. The Northern Star, 14 May 1927, described a meeting between Mayor Ald. J. Torrens and the returned soldiers to discuss creating the board for the new council chambers that were due to open in June. Donations were received and Alderman A.R. Best allocated money from one of the Patriotic Funds for the works.
The newspaper report stated a sub-committee was orgnaised to compile a list of those who had lived in the Ballina district six months before enlistment. A further sub-committee were to make preparations for the unveiling. On 28 June 1927, the Northern Star described the impressive ceremony, which was held on the afternoon of Saturday, 25 June. They included a thorough description of the board and a photograph of the finished product. The ceremony was well-attended and the roll was unveiled by Mrs Lang, who had five sons recorded as enlistees on the roll.
Several years later, A.J. Elliott, Honorary Secretary of the R.S.S.A.I.L.A., published a final notice for any additional names to be handed to him by no later than 23 March 1929 (Northern Star, 11 March 1929). There are three names out of alphabetical order on the roll, one in the killed in action section and two in the enlistees section, which may be these final names.
The memorial is located inside Ballina Shire Council Chambers. Access is restricted to the opening hours of the building.