Cessnock City Council and Taskforce Veteran (formerly Hunter Anzac Memorial Limited) will deliver the first of seven planned reflection points dedicated to honouring Australian Defence Force (ADF) veterans along the Branxton to Greta Memorial Shared Pathway in time for Remembrance Day 2024.
This shared pathway project grew out of community advocacy led by Taskforce Veteran Chairman, Brett Wild, whose vision was for a shared pathway that would connect the Branxton and Greta war memorials.
Council worked with Taskforce Veteran, the Branxton-Greta Business Chamber and local RSL NSW sub-Branches to secure the initial $1.95 million project grant.
Taskforce Veteran Chairman, Brett Wild, said their goal was to honour the approximately 10,288 Hunter Valley men and women who served in World War I, and all those who have served thereafter.
"We owe our generations of Australian Defence Force members a debt of gratitude, acknowledging the many sacrifices of those who served," said Mr Wild.
"To acknowledge these sacrifices, Taskforce Veteran will work with Council to include seven memorial reflection points along the pathway that honour our past and present veterans. The first memorial reflection point will be funded by Taskforce Veteran, who has committed over $100,000 to the project."
Cessnock City Council's Director of Works and Infrastructure Paul McLachlan acknowledged the efforts of Taskforce Veteran who have worked tirelessly over the years to make their vision a reality.
"Taskforce Veteran has been advocating for this project for many years, and the memorial shared pathway is a wonderful example of Council working collaboratively with the community to secure funding and deliver results," said Mr McLachlan.
The new ADF reflection points will be in addition to the recently opened Memorial Garden dedicated to honouring the Hunter Valley bus crash victims.
Council is currently working on the third and final stage of the Branxton to Greta Memorial Shared Pathway which is expected to be completed in the last quarter of the year.
