Anzac Park, formerly known as Central Park, was dedicated to the Anzacs in 1922.
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The War Time Tea Rooms and Café sign can be seen on the right of the photo - the small kiosk in the park was erected by the Tea Room voluntary workers, "In Memory of all who fought in the Great War 1914-1918".
In 2015, the Opportunity Shop of Glen Innes refurbished the little park building:
"In memory of all the women who served our country in time of war
"Those who were in the armed services overseas or on home soil
"Those who worked in factories and on the land to replace the men on active duty
"Those gallant women who nursed and cared for wounded and dying troops
"We honour them. Lest we forget."
As you wander around the beautiful park, you see numerous plaques and memorials as reminders of the various conflicts in which local men and women have served.
... the gates were probably unique in Australia inasmuch as they were probably the only war memorial entirely sponsored by women.
On the Anzac Park War Memorial Gates, the pillars bear honour rolls of the fallen of the 1914-1919 war and two marble inscriptions.
On one side: "This Foundation Stone was laid by Lieut-Col M F Bruxner DSO on 1st Nov 1922. In everlasting Memory of The Glorious Dead and Brave Living who enlisted from the Glen Innes District."
On the other side: "This Memorial was erected by the Citizens of Glen Innes and District through the efforts of the Girls Patriotic League. Joyse Bloxsome Pres. Beth Legge Hon Sec. Alma Dufty Hon Treas. W C Blessing Mayor."
The Girls Patriotic League had been formed primarily to welcome home men returning from the war and then also became a group to do everything possible for the men at the front by fundraising, organising concerts, sewing pyjamas and shirts, knitting sox, vests, mittens, balaclavas, writing letters, sending parcels...
The unveiling of the gates was reported in the local paper:
"The press in Glen Innes had published from time to time the honour roll and had asked for any mistakes to be notified, so that if any remained they could not fairly be laid at the feet of the League ... the gates were probably unique in Australia inasmuch as they were probably the only war memorial entirely sponsored by women."
Read more Glen Innes history:
