Toodyay War Memorial

Statement of Significance

The memorial is of historic and social value to the Toodyay community as a visible reminder of the contribution made by the members of their community who had served overseas. The memorial is of aesthetic value as a simple design using few materials in a restrained landscaped setting combining to make a valuable contribution to the streetscape.

Physical Description

The memorial comprises a three tier base of rough hewn granite blocks surmounted by a polished granite die stone and polished granite obelisk. On both sides and at the rear of the obelisk are low stone walls. The obelisk and plaques on the walls are engraved with the names of the servicemen and women who served during World War One, World War Two and the Vietnam War. A plaque commemorates work undertaken at the memorial in 1988 as a Bicentennial Project. Twin flag poles are located on either side of the obelisk. The memorial is located within a well maintained landscape consisting of predominantly grass and mature trees. An area of paving bordered by red rose bushes is located to the rear of the memorial.

History

The war memorial was constructed in 1921 to commemorate those from the district who had served during World War One. Following a ballot amongst the subscribers of the Toodyay District Soldiers Memorial a decision was made to erect an obelisk rather than build an operating theatre in the local hospital. The funds for the obelisk were raised by public subscription. Perth stone masons Wilson and Gray designed and built the obelisk and an opening ceremony was held on 18 December 1921. The ceremony was attended by the Governor Sir Francis Newdegate, the Premier Sir James Mitchell and Lady Mitchell and Major General Sir Talbot Hobbs. In 1929, the memorial was upgraded with additional plaques, and trees were planted in the park. The significance of the obelisk to the members of the local RSL was demonstrated in 1931, when members of the local RSL erected a cyclone fence around the obelisk prior to the Anzac service in to protect its significance as a sacred shrine during the service. In 1971, the park underwent improvements with plantings of additional trees and lawn. In 1983, maintenance of the gardens was improved with the installation of automatic reticulation. In 1988, commonwealth funding was received as part of the Bicentennial celebrations and the memorial was upgraded. These improvements consisted of the construction of the platform and low walls around the obelisk from local stone. Improvements were undertaken in 2004 with funds from the state government. Additional plaques commemorating those who had served during World War Two and the Vietnam War were erected at the memorial. These additions were likely to have been part of the 1988 Bicentennial Project. In 1996 the Toodyay war Memorial was included in the State Wide War Memorial survey.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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