The Iluka community really came out in force last Saturday to celebrate the centenary of the Soldiers Memorial Hall. We had the raising of the flag, the cutting of centenary ribbon, unveiling of plaques, a book launch and a wonderful speech by our VIP guest.

There was a teaser the night before when a horror movie from the 50’s, ‘The Thing’ was shown to an appreciative crowd. The event had it all with hostess and ushers dressed from the 50’s with refreshments from the same era.

From 10am on Saturday the programme went like clockwork. To start with, a new flag was raised on a pole donated and erected by members of the Men’s Shed each of whom represented one of our defence forces.

As it concluded, the new mayor Peter Johnstone laid a wreath while the crowd of over 100 remained quiet out of respect of those who lost their lives particularly from WW1 and in whose memory the locals raised the funds and built the original hall.

While still outside the hall, a lovely bush ballad was read out. Written by local artist Jocelyn Wrench it told the story and memories of the halls origin and was well received by an appreciative crowd.

Before everyone moved inside, we had a ribbon to be cut at the main entrance to the hall. Doing the honours were local identities and long-time residents John Collis and Noel Everson (who was hardly recognisable in his suit as distinct from his usual fishing garb).

Once inside we had a number of speakers who took their que from the MC (your truly) that the length of my introduction is indicative of how long they should speak. It worked well and all speakers were relevant and interesting.

The mayor spoke about the history of the Hall going back through the Harwood and Maclean Shire days. He also highlighted the work done by the locals in raising the funds and how it was the central place for Iluka’s social scene.

Brett Adlington from NSW Museums and Galleries spoke about the importance of local museums like this one in Iluka and how fitting it is that a building of this heritage houses a museum of this quality and congratulated all the members of the historical society.

Stephen Walton from Maclean RSL spoke about the importance of the hall and its connection to the Chatsworth and Iluka branch members and the part the Hall plays in the regular Anzac Day celebrations. He also highlighted the memory of the missing honour board listing our first soldiers. It remains a mystery probably covered by some renovations to the hall in years gone by.

Then we had our key speaker. Air Commander Glen Braz, who is second in charge of the Australian Air Force. He grew up in Iluka and spoke fondly of his time here in the 1970’s halfway in the history of the hall. He didn’t speak of his distinguished career but reminisced in what many present described as ‘heartwarming’ the individuals and events of his boyhood days. He then unveiled a plaque which is now set into the base of the flagpole and commemorates this very day.

After that, another plaque was highlighted which names the emus on the lovely sculpture situated outside the hall. It was built by the Men’s Shed and is loved by all. The adult emu is named Clarence and the chicks Emet and Edwina. The names were chosen by the local school children.

Then the ‘mayor of Iluka’ councillor Karen Toms had the honour of launching the just published book on the history of Iluka and Woody Head written by the museum’s coordinator Janet Hauser. It’s a wonderful book and sales have been good and always available from the museum.

Finally, the centenary cake was cut by Marcia Hunter (CWA) and Janet Hauser before everyone moved outside for morning tea as they watched a wonderful rendition from the Iluka Ladies Dancing group. They were dressed as US service women in full uniform as they did the moves appropriate to the popular tune of the day “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”. So good was it, an encore was demanded.

All in all, it was a wonderful hour that set the standard for the Mermaid Festival on the weekend. Karen Toms said the whole morning had a ‘wonderful feeling’ about it while Secretary Ruth Dawson said so many people commented on the community involvement on display and how it encouraged so many of those present to connect with others present on the day.

Col Hennessy