The Mount Druitt ANZAC Centenary Walk has officially opened on Wednesday 22 April.
The Centenary Walk is set within Mount Druitt Remembrance Gardens. The Walk commemorates the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC Gallipoli landings.
The ANZAC Centenary Walk project was funded by the Federal Government and coordinated by Blacktown City Council. It features five plinths that display images and stories that have a local connection to the Gallipoli landings in 1915.
Federal Member for Chifley Ed Husic MP spoke of local ANZACs and how valuable the project was to commemorate their sacrifice.
While we mark the centenary of the Gallipoli landing, it is also important to remember local contributions made in World War I. We take this time to honour the sacrifices of four local families featured in the plinths and the impact the war had them and so many others from our area.
I congratulate Blacktown City Council, along with the Mt Druitt Historical Society and Colyton Public School, for bringing this project to life. It was an endeavour truly worth of support through the Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program.
Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali also spoke about the value of the project and the contributions that enabled the ANZAC Centenary Walk to be created.
I extend my thanks and appreciation to the Federal Government, which awarded Council a $26,000 grant from its ANZAC Centenary Local Grants Program to enable the construction the Walk, Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali said.
Thank you especially to the Federal Member for Chifley, Mr Ed Husic MP, who has from the outset been a large supporter of this project, Mayor Bali continued.
Each plinth on the walk complements the existing World War I Roll of Honour monument that lists the names of the Mount Druitt diggers from World War I.
The official opening of the Centenary Walk was held at The Manse due to weather conditions, which is home to the Mount Druitt Historical Society and involved a member from each family represented in the Walk to tell the story of their loved ones.
It is a privilege to commemorate our soldiers and open the Centenary Walk and reflect with so many valued members of our community, said Mayor Bali at the opening.
I pay special tribute to all men and women who serve, and I honour their great personal sacrifice to protect our peace, our culture, and our freedoms. Lest we forget, said Mayor Bali.
Council expresses its sincere thanks to the Mount Druitt Historical Society, Mount Druitt Chamber of Commerce, Colyton Public School, Penrith City Council, Gilgandra Museum and Historical Society, and the Rooty Hill and St Marys RSL Sub Branches. All the organisations have worked closely with Council to discover the stories featured on the Centenary Walk.
Mount Druitt Remembrance Gardens is located on Ropes Creek Road, Mount Druitt.
ENDS

Media Contact: Kara Hinesley (Husic) 0451 424 121
Kate Jones 9839 6439 or Bianca Devine 9839 6526
Communication Unit Blacktown City Council