Assistant Minister for Defence – Joint Release – Re-enactment march to commemorate the Kurrajongs

The town of Inverell in north-west New South Wales has stopped to pay tribute to residents of the district who volunteered to serve in World War One with a full commemorative program centred around the re-enactment of the Kurrajongs recruitment march.

Assistant Minister for Defence, Darren Chester said it was an honour to be able to represent the Prime Minister at the re-enactment.

“The town has supported the entire centenary of ANZAC program much as they supported the troops who gathered here 100 years ago,” Mr Chester said.

“The sacrifice made by those young men and their families has not been forgotten and the proud tradition of the Kurrajongs is strong in our current Australian Defence Force.”

“The stark reality of the battlefields in France and Belgium was shocking then and still is now. The community has shown a strong interest in maintaining the legacy that these brave men left.”

The Kurrajong Re-enactment Committee was successful in obtaining a $10,000 grant through the Federal Government’s Anzac Centenary Local Grants program.

Senator Williams said the event could not have been held without the support of the community as well as the Inverell Shire Council, Inverell RSM Club and the Inverell RSL sub-Branch.

“I would like to especially acknowledge Kim Blomfield and Ann Hodgens and the Kurrajong Re-enactment Committee for the many hours they have contributed to organising this significant commemorative event,” Senator Williams said.

“Inverell has a proud history of remembrance and the support from the town for this tribute has made the event incredibly special.”

Media note:

Imagery will be available through the Defence Image Library: http://www.images.defence.gov.au/S20160022

Media contact:

Brie Colley (Mr Chester's office) (02) 6277 4029

Greg Kachel (Senator Williams Office) 0428 253 560