As you're approaching the Victory Memorial Gardens, look to your left for an impressive stone archway. It's quite monumental, literally! This imposing arch is flanked by large engraved plaques, commemorating those who served and sacrificed in the First World War. Behind the arch, you'll see lush greenery and vibrant flowers. The arch itself is beautifully set amidst purple-flowered trees, making it hard to miss.
Alright, now that you've found it, let's dive into the story of this beautiful place! The Victory Memorial Gardens are perched serenely on the banks of the Wollundry Lagoon right in the heart of Wagga Wagga. Believe it or not, this 5-acre patch of tranquility used to be where the Old Police Barracks and all the police horses were kept. Fast-forward to February 1931, and voila! It became public land.
But let's rewind a bit to 1925 when the local Council wanted to pay tribute to those brave souls who fought in the First World War. The initial plan was for a memorial hall, but the public had a greener vision - gardens. And thus, a competition was born. The winning design came from Thomas Kerr, the chief landscape gardener of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney. By 1928, the gardens were a work in progress.
In the mid-war years, there was talk about building a Memorial Arch to honor volunteer soldiers. This idea finally took shape in 1925, and by Anzac Day in 1927, the Victory Memorial Gardens Arch stood tall, costing about £1700. Major-General C. F. Cox did the honors of unveiling it amid great celebrations. Oh, and don't miss the cenotaph that had been standing there since 1922.
In 2006, the gardens got a new addition - the restored Chisholm Fountain, just in time for Anzac Day commemorations. So, as you stroll through, take a moment to appreciate these layers of history and beauty. Enjoy your walk through this living memorial!
