History brought into the light

 25 May,2011

Military records and memorabilia which were once crammed into a single cabinet are now part of an impressive display officially opened at Club Mudgee on Saturday morning.

Over the past two years, the Mudgee RSL sub-branch has worked with Kirsty Creed and Alex Rix of Visual Expanse to plan, frame and present the display.

Where once Club Mudgee visitors might have glanced at dimly lit items as they made their way to the toilets, the memorabilia is now prominently shown in frames or display cabinets under strip lighting.

Mudgee RSL Sub-branch president Graham Pickering said the sub-branch wanted a better display to acknowledge the items given to its care by Mudgee veterans and their families.

“We wanted to display items we believe demonstrate the dedication and sacrifice of the men and women of Mudgee and district who served their country in times of need,” he said.

Mr Pickering said he hoped the care given to displaying the memorabilia might encourage others to lend items.

The project was assisted by a $6000 donation from Club Mudgee.

Items on display include the medals of two men who gave their lives in the Great War: Private Joseph Mara, the first Mudgee man to die in World I, and William “Bill” Cullingham, who was killed in action in Pozieres, France, in July, 1916.

The new memorial to World War I service personnel on Flirtation Hill will be officially dedicated on August 22, the anniversary of Private Joseph Mara’s death at Gallipoli.

Click on photos to enlarge.