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"The Girl With Grit" Print Page 
"The Girl With Grit" commemorates the services given to the nation, the region and the town of Griffith, New South Wales, by the Australian Women's Land Army during World War Two.
The Australian Women’s Land Army (AWLA) was formed during World War Two to combat rising labour shortages in the farming sector. From December 1941, when Japan entered the war, the nation’s need to build up its armed forces was placed above the needs of other industries. Agricultural labour was steadily diverted to the armed services and war industry.
To meet the shortfall in rural labour, State and private women’s land organisations were organised, modelled on those established in Great Britain during World War One and World War Two. A national body was formed on 27 July 1942 under the jurisdiction of the Director General of Manpower. While policy was devised by the Commonwealth Government, the organisation of the AWLA remained State-based. An extensive recruiting campaign was undertaken for new members.
Location
| Address: | 167-185 Banna Avenue, Griffith War Memorial Museum, Griffith, 2680 |
|---|---|
| State: | NSW |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -34.288107 Long: 146.048976 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Sculpture |
|---|---|
| Monument Theme: | Conflict |
| Sub-Theme: | WW2 |
| Approx. Event Start Date: | 1942 |
| Approx. Event End Date: | 1945 |
| Designer: | Noel Hicks |
| Artist: | Noel Hicks |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Saturday 11th July, 2015 |
|---|
The community of Griffith and District, where a number of AWLA members eventually settled, thank all who served in the AWLA for their contribution to our nation in a time of special need.
Plaque :
This memorial was unveiled on 11 July 2015 by veterans of the AWLA ;
Kathleen Savage, Gladys Burgess, Gwen Chilvers,
Margaret French, Ursula Garner, June Gulloni,
Dorothy Hales, Margaret Johnston, Lola Smellie,
Esme Wirth.
Sculptor Noel Hicks
Plaque :
The erection of this monument was made possible by the support of
The Griffith Ex-Servicemen`s Club,
G. B. Sports & Lifestyle, Stuart and Margaret McWilliam, Griffith City Council,
Namoi Valley Bricks Pty. Ltd,
Griffith RSL, Dr John Binks, Jim McMillan,
Lola Smellie, Hampel Family,
Margaret French, C & W Polkinghorne,
Margaret Messer, Griffith Bricks & Pavers, Griffith War Memorial Museum
With help in kind from other community members.
