Memorial Lane, Gympie, Australia. Commemorating Australian Military History

[Private_collector]

Folks,

Following several requests to show some in-depth photos of a unique set of murals we have here in Gympie, I have great pleasure in presenting some of the highlights of the dedicated precinct known as Memorial Lane.

There will be a number of postings here, and I would appreciate if comments could be held until the series is finished, in order to keep the collection together.

The town of Gympie, in Queensland Australia, has a proud link with Australian Military History. This dates back to The Great War, when a number of the local men enlisted and went away to war. Not all returned, and their names are recorded on the stone pillars that together with the solid iron gates, form the entrance to the Memorial Lane project. On ANZAC Day these gates are decorated with the wreaths and floral tributes that show we have not forgotten their sacrifice.

The scenario of loss and remembrence continued in World War Two and Vietnam, with those names added to further stone pillars within the lane itself.

Sadly the most recent plaque was added just last year with the death of Corporal Ashley Birt. Corporal Birt was a Gympie local who was killed in Afghanistan, 2011.

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[Private_collector]

Gympie's Memorial Lane was re-dedicated in 2000, by The Mayor of Gympie, Cr. Mick Venardos, and Brigadier (Ret.) Keith Percival "Paddy" Outridge. The Brigadier would later be awarded the Australia Medal for his tireless contributions to the military community. Brigadier Outridge had at one time been the President of Gympie RSL Sub-Branch, and he dedicated his life to aiding returned servicemen & servicewomen through a number of avenues, and was a very humble man who was much loved by all who knew him. He was a true Gentleman in every sense of the word.

Brigadier Outridge passed away in 2010, from an incurable brain tumor.

The Brigadiers funeral was massive, and was attended by many past and current serving defence personnel. Several very high ranking officers from Canberra (Capital of Australia) travelled to Gympie for the service. The entire town of Gympie mourned the passing of Brigadier K. P. Outridge, A.M, MID.

There is a reason why I have made special mention of the Brigadier. It was he who first told me, proudly, that it was one of his own daughters who had created the murals which now adorn the sides of Memorial Lane.

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[Private_collector]

In the next few posts, I will present each of the murals complete, in no particular order. In later posts, close-ups of some of the detail will be featured.

Each of the murals would measure approximately 10 to 12 feet in length. They are around 5 feet high, and each would be made of several hundred individual pieces. Each piece has been hand crafted and hand painted prior to kiln firing.

The final assembly alone would make an immense job, requiring perfection of placement. I think you will agree that the result is spectacular.

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[Keith Webb]

Thanks for sharing this Tony, very interesting and good to be able to share the memory of the fallen and others who served.

[Private_collector]

There are a total of 8 murals, each as intricate and detailed.

In the third photo above, you can easily see recreation of a famous scene, showing the soldiers treading along the 'duck-boards' with their reflection in the stagnant water towards foreground.

Wait until you see some of these in closer detail!!!!

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[Private_collector]

The detail in these works of art is absolutely breathtaking.

I have stood in front of one or another many times, and each time I have discovered something which I had not seen before.

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[Private_collector]

Remember! Each individual piece has been crafted and painted by hand.

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