McLeans Ridges via Lismore Second World War Memorial Gates

Outside the McLeans Ridge Public Hall are a set of memorial gates dedicated to the men of the district who served in the Second World War. The gates consist of two brick and concrete pillars, each with a white marble plaque inset on the front face. The plaques are inscribed with an honour roll and the names are blackened. Only Private George James Pearson is marked with a cross, indicating he fell during the war. Between the pillars are two decorative iron gates, which are labelled with a sign saying 'Pedestrians only'.

The memorial gates form part of the fence along both road frontages of the property. The fence is a galvanised iron pipe design, interspersed by numerous smaller concrete pillars. The construction of the gates, fence, a concrete path, and extensions to the hall were undertaken in 1949 by local labour. In the early days of the work, there was a foreman in charge.

Based on newspaper covereage at the time, it seems the planning for the gates and their construction happened quickly. The Northern Star, 16 May 1949, reported a large public meeting was held at the hall during which it was decided to erect the gates. Only two days later, Secretary H. Booth advertised the unveiling would take place on Empire Day, 24 May, combined with a school picnic (Northern Star, 18 May 1949). On the day, the gates were draped with the Union Jack and Australian flags, which were removed by Mr F. Pickford to officially unveil the gates (Northern Star, 27 May 1949).

Various commemorative services are held at the nearby flagpole outside the hall.