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

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.