LOCAL LIFE
MAKE A DIFFERENCE: ANZAC War Memorial upgrade( Castle Hill RSL Sub Branch)
by Lorna Gordon
A $ 9,500 grant is helping the Castle Hill RSL Sub-Branch take an important step toward improving safety and accessibility at the ANZAC War Memorial in the Centenary of ANZAC Reserve.
The memorial moved to its current location in 2012 when the Hills Shire Council relocated the original white memorial rock from Arthur Whitling Park to the newly established reserve. The move was necessary because the earlier site had become too small to accommodate the growing crowds attending ANZAC Day commemorations.
Cheryl Hill, the Sub Branch President who served in the Navy told me about the changes to the memorial. The first stage is to install a new glass fence around the Memorial which will help it to be more visible and safer for people to visit.
“ The current stainless steel fencing allows kids to climb on the memorial or swing off the rails which could damage the memorial or end with a child being hurt. The glass fencing will prevent that while still allowing people to see the memorial clearly.”
The fence upgrade is also part of a broader vision to enhance the memorial itself. Members hope to eventually redesign the site, so it tells a stronger story about the sacrifices of Australian servicemen and women.
“ At the moment there’ s a large rock with some hats and a plaque. Unless you walk right up to it, it doesn’ t really tell a story.”
Future plans may include artistic metal cut-outs to represent the different services that form the forces and will better reflect Australia’ s military history and the meaning of ANZAC Day. The full redevelopment could cost around $ 100,000, making the current fencing upgrade an important first step.
For the Sub-Branch, the project is about far more than infrastructure.
“ It’ s about making the memorial safer, more visible and more meaningful. It’ s a place where the community comes together to remember, and we want it to reflect the importance of that.”
The memorial is the heart of the ANZAC Day celebrations held in the reserve, one which typically sees around 10,000 people attend, but has grown to 30,000 people on special dates.
Organising the service is a major undertaking. The Sub-Branch works closely with local police, council staff and St John Ambulance to ensure the event runs safely. A large screen is installed so the crowd can clearly see the ceremony, while veterans, Air Force cadets and members of the Royal Australian Air Force participate in the march.
This year there will be dignitaries from council, local MP Alex Hawk and a Major General attending the service.
The Sub Branch of the RSL does much more than just the annual ANZAC Day service, although it is one of the most important events in it’ s calendar. The also offer support to veterans and their families and Cheryl is keen for younger veterans to join and find out how they can be supported.
“ Our Sub branch we open our doors to anyone who has served, to support. We are always looking for young members
The Castle Hills RSL Sub Branch have been given a grant of $ 9500 towards upgrading the fencing round the ANZAC War Memorial.
to join. Sometimes they don’ t know their entitlements when they leave the service, people think it’ s more of an old person’ s intuition, but it’ s for all veterans and their families.”
Cheryl explained that for anyone wanting to join the Castle Hill RSL Sub Branch they can do so online or phone the RSL and ask to be put through to the Sub Branch to discuss their needs.
THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 130 // APRIL 2026 9