100 Year Anniversary El Arish Soldier SettlementPrint Page

The plaque commemorates the 100th anniversary of the El Arish Soldier Settlement which was originally established as Maria Creek in 1920. The plaque also acknowledges the dedication of Lance Corporal Francis Paxton Martin who was appointed Superintendent of the settlement on 29 July 1920.

A Rising Sun sculpture forged by local blacksmith Brent Cook was also unveiled at the ceremony to mark the occasion. 

Federal, State and local dignitaries joined the community of El Arish at the town’s cenotaph to mark the 100 year anniversary since settlement.

Hundreds braved the wet weather to see students of El Arish State School open proceedings by singing Waltzing Matilda which the Governor declared to be the most “beguiling” rendition he’d ever heard.

Mr de Jersey then revealed the inscription on the plaque which read: “On this centenary recognition of the establishment of the El Arish (originally Maria Creek) soldiers settlement we acknowledge the determination and dedication of 3576 LCPL Francis Paxton Martin, 6th Light Horse, appointed Superintendent of the settlement on 29 July 1920, who by his efforts contributed significantly to the success of this Government venture. The Martin Family.”

A number of guest speakers were invited to address the ceremony including son of original settlement Superintendent Francis Paxton Martin — Paul Martin. “As a young child it was impressive to know my father had named and started a town,” Mr Martin said. “El Arish has taken on more special significance now with a street being named in his honour. It makes me feel very special and very proud.”

The ceremony was wrapped up with Kennedy MP Bob Katter and Hill MP Shane Knuth unveiling a rising sun sculpture forged by local blacksmith Brent Cook.
Cairns Post, 3 August 2020.

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