Mullumbimby CenotaphPrint Page

The cenotaph commemorates those who have served in the various conflicts in which Australia has been involved. The cenotaph was rededicated on the 14th August 1999 and ANZAC Day 2017 after the memorial was refurbished. An ANZAC Tribute Plaque dedicated those who died at Gallipoli has been placed on the memorial. 

The Mullumbimby Cenotaph was unveiled on ANZAC Day 1964. The ceremony was performed by local state MP, the Honourable Stanley Tunstall Stephens OBE (1913 - 1986). Stephens was not originally intended to perform the unveiling, he deputised for Sir John Northcott, who was busy attending the funeral of General McArthur in the United States. 

Scouts, Cubs, Guides, Brownies, the junior Red Cross, and various schools took part In the ANZAC Day commemoration in 1964, with the guard of honour provided by Cadets of the Mullumbimby High School Unit. As a result, 35 children reportedly collapsed in the heat and needed treatment by a Mullumbimby Ambulance Offer during the event.

The bronze sculpture originally atop the Cenotaph was constructed by Mullumbimby High Art teacher Kevin William Brereton. The sculpture Entitled “Heritage” is 183 centimetres high and constructed from sheet bronze. The quote from the Star Advocate (Mullumbimby’s local newspaper at the time) describes that Brereton’s sculpture intends to convey... "the lower section of the sculpture in dull corroded metal suggests the savagery and destruction of war with its twisted and jagged shapes. The upper portion, a single shaft of bright metal symbolises the heritage of freedom”.. 

Note: A number of years ago the Mullumbimby RSL Branch were investigating options for a major renovation of the cenotaph. As part of this process it was decided to remove the sculpture “Heritage”, which was subsequently donated to the Brunswick Valley Historical Society in 2017. The sculpture is now on display outside the Mullumbimby Museum, at 17 Myokum Street Mullumbimby.

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