Heroes of Alton Downs remembered

Published on 06 February 2019

Cr Rose Swadling and Gloria Kelley at Rockhampton Regional Library's History Centre.jpg

The men and women who served the efforts across both World Wars will be remembered forever more, thanks to the hard work of the Alton Downs & Combined District Anzac Day Memorial Committee.

The committee spent years researching their local heroes and have now established a photographic display and an accompanying biographical record booklet, which will be added to the Rockhampton Regional Library’s collection. They were able to complete the project thanks to a grant of nearly $10,000 from the Queensland Anzac Centenary Spirit of Service Grants program, and assistance from the Rockhampton Regional Library’s History Centre.

Rockhampton Regional Council Communities Chair, Councillor Rose Swadling, said the project was truly special.

“We are a strong community here in the Rockhampton Region, with many families having been around for generations.

“It was quite something to look through the booklet and see so many familiar names – I even spotted a relative of my own.

“This is a truly wonderful project, and I cannot commend the Alton Downs & Combined District Anzac Day Memorial Committee enough for all of their hard work. Thanks to them, the stories of our brave heroes who sacrificed so much for us will live on for generations.”

Gloria Kelley, a member of the committee who has been working on the project, said it was wonderful to finally see it come to fruition.

“It has been a lot of hard work but also a privilege – a real labour of love.

“We have collected information, stories, and photographs that might have otherwise been lost as people move to different areas or pass away.

“I was able to speak with one woman who had lost contact with her soldier father and tell her all about what happened to him and where he fought – it was very emotional.

“The committee is delighted that the booklet will now be available for people to come and see at the library, and if anyone has any other information or photos please do get in touch.”

The booklets are available to view at the Southside library, and the photographic displays are at the Alton Downs Hall. They are also available online here

The Spirit of Service Grants were part of the Queensland Government’s Anzac Centenary program.

The Alton Downs & Combined District Anzac Day Memorial Committee can be contacted via the website link above or via email.