Hawker War Memorial
HAWKER WAR MEMORIAL
This Memorial, situated on the corner of Wilpena Road and Chace View Terrace, is located on the site of the original Hawker War Memorial Swimming Pool, which was built in 1963 commemorating the service of locals during World War 2. the complex was leveled in 2009, and a new pool on Cradock Road, as part of the Hawker Community Sports Centre, was opened by the Federal Member for Grey, Mr Rowan Ramsey, on 5th November 2010.
Following a community consultation there was a unanimous decision to dedicate this site as the Hawker War Memorial. The first service was ANZAC Day 2015, with the official opening by His Excellency The Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, Governor of South Australia, on 27th June 2017. The official naming of 'The Hawker War Memorial' took place on 20th October 2020.
The Hawker Community Development Board and The Flinders Ranges Council formed an alliance and with the assistance of an ANZAC Centenary Grant, and a lot of community input into the concept and planning, the new memorial takes pride of place.
Residents Ian Carpenter and Steve Taylor worked tirelessly to build, construct and beautify the area, including the manufacture of the magnificent large cross, featuring pieces of old hand shears as the rays of the rising sun.
The Hawker Enhancement Group assisted Ian and Steve to construct garden beds and paths and along with Port Augusta Gaol Group have assisted with ongoing maintenance.
Hawker Area School students designed and planted out the garden area, residents donated succulents from their gardens and some local businesses willingly donated their machinery and operators for earthworks.
The replica Turkish Cannon gun carriage, a prop from the 1987 film The Light Horsemen (that was filmed locally) was relocated to the site as was the memorial stone and flagpole, which is illuminated and flies the Australian flag at all times.
The replica Honour Boards, and the other information signage serve as a constant reminder of the local people who fought for their country in all conflicts. The original Honour Boards are on display in the Hawker Institute. Hawker Area School students have researched the men who's names are recorded.
The precinct consists of a paved area with the Memorial Cross and contains the 'Garden of Courage and Sacrifice', which was planted in 2016.The hand painted replica Honour Rolls, sculptures, artworks and plaques are located within the area. The plaque, which was originally located outside the old Council Chambers has been relocated here as well as an information plaque detailing how previous ANZAC and Remembrance Day services were conducted in Hawker. The original Hawker War Memorial is next to Foresters Hall, 58 Elder Terrace, where a white cross in the paved area to the right of the building shows the consecrated site.
The 'Walk of Honour' represents those who fought in world War 2 and lost their lives.
The people of Hawker acknowledge the efforts of The Flinders Ranges Council and the Hawker Community Development Board who made this area possible.
In 2024 this memorial was chosen by the Australian War Memorial as one of only 42 locations from more than 12,000 memorials around the nation to feature in a very special film, 'Places of Pride. A stirring film commissioned by the Australian War Memorial to screen on loop in its new Main Entrance.
To view the film go to www.placesofpride.awm.gov.au/film
This shows what a community can achieve when they work together.
