Home » Themes » People » Settlement
George Edwin EdmundsPrint Page 
The plaque commemorates George Edwin Edmunds (1906 - 1962) and fellow pioneers of the Bellingen River. The plaque features the poem "The Last Oarsmen" which was written by Ron Edmunds for his father.
Location
| Address: | Hammond & Bridge Streets, Lavender Bridge, Bellingen, 2454 |
|---|---|
| State: | NSW |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -30.450173 Long: 152.898911 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Plaque |
|---|---|
| Monument Theme: | People |
| Sub-Theme: | Settlement |
| Designer: | Kathleen Challen |
Dedication
The Last Oarsmen
Dedicated to George Edwin Edmunds (1906 - 1962) and fellow pioneers of the Bellingen River.
Flood rain falls in a pattern that was familiar to his ear,
The oarsman`s sleep was light it was June a flood was near.
He arose from his bed so early donned his coat and hat to wear,
Wrapped his shoulders into a corn bag the flood of floods was there.
He listened to the wind howl he listened to the roars,
He heads towards the Council Shed he shoulders the three oars.
Now he`s at the river the truck unloads the boat,
Hundreds of wet hessian bags will assure that it will float.
The markers have gone under the bridge is no more.
The black swirling torrents race forth to battle the shore.
The oarsman is undaunted as he slides into the boat,
With his head bowed, and standing he starts into his stroke.
There were picture runs and pregnant mums there were people in distress,
Food, medicine, mail and workers who relied on the man`s caress.
For he dared to challenge the river, and for just a common bloke,
With his Log Cabin roll your own, and a bloody divine stroke.
Poem written by Ron Edmunds for his dad 2004
Memorial design by Kathleen Challen (nee Edmunds)
