Ashfield to Martin Place Sydney Wednesday 11th November 2015

Posted on November 11, 2015 | 2 comments

Ashfield to Martin Place Sydney Wednesday 11th November 2015

After a comfortable overnight stay at Ashfield Boys High School, the marchers were provided with breakfast by Wests Ashfield Leagues Club, which was very much appreciated by the marchers and support crew.

Marchers leaving Wests Ashfield Leagues Club 11/11/2015

Marchers leaving Wests Ashfield Leagues Club 11/11/2015

The marchers headed off at 6.15 am for their final stretch of their approximately 640 km long march from Gilgandra to Sydney.

Marchers arriving at Redfern War Memorial 11/11/2015

Marchers arriving at Redfern War Memorial 11/11/2015

They went to Redfern to pay respects to the two Coo-ees whose names are remembered on the Redfern War Memorial, then made their way to Martin Place through Hyde Park, past the Shrine of Remembrance.

Marchers at Martin Place before the parade 11/11/12015

Marchers at Martin Place before the parade 11/11/12015

It was an emotional experience for all to arrive at Martin Place, where the Coo-ee March 2015 Re-enactment ended.  It then started to rain not long after they arrived at Martin Place.

Marchers in Remembrance Day Parade 11/11/2015

Marchers in Remembrance Day Parade 11/11/2015

The marchers then lead the City of Sydney Remembrance Day Parade after the Australian Army Band down Martin Place to the Cenotaph to participate in the Remembrance Day commemorative service.

It was then time for the marchers and support crew to say farewell after their 26 day journey.

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Holroyd to Ashfield Tuesday 10th November 2015

Posted on November 10, 2015 | 2 comments

Holroyd to Ashfield Tuesday 10th November 2015

The marchers left Holroyd Sportsground at 7.30 am, where they had spent a comfortable night, courtesy of Holroyd Council.

It was to be a hectic day for the marchers, with 7 commemorative services to participate in, and about 20 km to be travelled.

Marchers leaving Granville War Memorial 10/11/2015

Marchers leaving Granville War Memorial 10/11/2015

A commemorative service was  held at Granville War Memorial at 8 am.  A display of WWI soldiers had been set up at the foot of the memorial by the Granville Historical Society.

Photo of marchers and others after the Auburn War Memorial service 10/11/2015

Photo of marchers and others after the Auburn War Memorial service 10/11/2015

A commemorative service was then held at Auburn War Memorial, in which the marchers participated in the Auburn RSL Branch and Auburn City Council Schools’ Remembrance Day Ceremony. Morning tea was held after the service at the Auburn Town Hall, which was very much appreciated by the marchers.

Marchers in front of Lidcombe War Memorial after service 10/11/2015

Marchers in front of Lidcombe War Memorial after service 10/11/2015

A commemorative service was held at Lidcombe at 12.20 pm, at which John Haines AM, State Vice President, RSL (NSW Branch), welcomed the marchers to Lidcombe.

Deputy Mayor of Strathfield, Cr. Andrew Soulos, at Strathfield War Memorial service 10/11/2015

Deputy Mayor of Strathfield, Cr. Andrew Soulos, at Strathfield War Memorial service 10/11/2015

A commemorative service was then held at Strathfield Council at 2.30 pm.    Before they arrived they had been greeted by hundreds of school children from Homebush Public School that lined the street near Homebush Railway Station. The Deputy Mayor of Strathfield, Cr. Andrew Soulos, welcomed the marchers at the Strathfield War Memorial.

Mayor of Burwood, Cr. John Fakir, at Burwood War Memorial service 10/11/2015

Mayor of Burwood, Cr. John Fakir, at Burwood War Memorial service 10/11/2015

A commemorative service was held at Burwood War Memorial at 3.30 pm, where the marchers were greeted by the Mayor of Burwood, Cr. John Fakir.

Marcher giving a "Coo-ee" for the people of Ashfield after the Ashfield War Memorial service 10/11/2015

Marcher giving a “Coo-ee” for the people of Ashfield after the Ashfield War Memorial service 10/11/2015

A commemorative service was then held at Ashfield War Memorial at just before 5 pm, before the marchers and RSL Sub-Branch representatives, and members of the public attending the service,  moved to Coo-ee Car Park for a commemorative service at Wests Ashfield Leagues Club.

Mike Bailey, Chairman of Ashfield Wests Leagues Club, at service at Coo-ee Car Park memorial 10/11/2015

Mike Bailey, Chairman of Ashfield Wests Leagues Club, at service at Coo-ee Car Park memorial 10/11/2015

A buffet dinner, and sing-along,  was held at Wests Ashfield Leagues Club in the evening, which was very much appreciated by the marchers, and everyone else attending.

The marchers are camping for the night at Ashfield Boys High School, on the site of the Ashfield Drill Hall, where the Coo-ees stayed in 1915.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Blacktown to Holroyd Monday 9th November 2015

Posted on November 9, 2015 | 1 comment

The marchers left Blacktown Showground at 7 am.

Over 600 school children were along the school fence waving flags when the  passed Hilltop Road Primary School on Centenary Road.

A commemorative service was held at 10.20 am at Merrylands Remembrance Park Memorial at Merrylands Remembrance Park in  Arcadia Street, Merrylands. The Mayor of Holroyd, Cr. Greg Cummings, welcomed the marchers to Holroyd.

The Mayor of Holroyd, Cr. Greg Cummings, welcomes the marchers at Merrylands Remembrance Park Memorial 9/11/2015

The Mayor of Holroyd, Cr. Greg Cummings, welcomes the marchers at Merrylands Remembrance Park Memorial 9/11/2015

 

A service was then held at 11.10 am at Merrylands Memorial Park War Memorial, in Treves Street, Merrylands, where the Mayor of Holroyd again welcomed the marchers.  Some students from Marylands East Primary School attended this service.

Service at Merrylands Memorial Park War Memorial, 9/11/2015

Service at Merrylands Memorial Park War Memorial, 9/11/2015

The marchers then marched to Parramatta, and held another commemorative service at 12.45 pm at Parramatta War Memorial at Prince Alfred Square, Parramatta.  The Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Councillor Paul Garrard, welcomed the marchers.

The Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr. Paul Garrard, at Parramatta War Memorial 9/11/2015

The Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr. Paul Garrard, at Parramatta War Memorial 9/11/2015

Major General Warren Glenny (retired), Club President of Castle Hill RSL Group, and Patron of the Cooee March, also gave a speech.  Representatives from several schools attended this service.

The marchers were then guests of the City of Parramatta RSL Sub-Branch for a tasty BBQ  lunch at the Parramatta RSL Club.

The marchers then marched to Holroyd Sportsground for their overnight stay.

Marchers at Charles Mance Reserve Memorial 9/11/2015

Marchers at Charles Mance Reserve Memorial 9/11/2015

Holroyd Council arranged for a courtesy bus to take the marchers to Charles Mance Reserve to participate in a commemorative service there, before they were the guests of Holroyd Council, Merrylands RSL Sub-Branch, and Merrylands RSL Club for a very nice dinner function at the Merrylands RSL Club, which was very much appreciated by the marchers.

 

 

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Penrith to Blacktown Sunday 8th November 2015

Posted on November 8, 2015 | 4 comments

Penrith to Blacktown Sunday 8th November 2015

The marchers left Penrith Paceway a bit after 7 am after being provided with muffins, croissants and coffee for breakfast which was very much appreciated.

Piper leading the marchers into St Marys 8/11/2015

Piper leading the marchers into St Marys 8/11/2015

They arrived at Victoria Park in St Marys at 9 am, lead by a piper, for a commemorative service at St Marys War Memorial.

Commemorative service at St Marys War Memorial 8/11/2015

Commemorative service at St Marys War Memorial 8/11/2015

The marchers then enjoyed bacon, eggs and sausages cooked by the Rotary Club of St Marys, at the same park the Coo-ees were provided with breakfast in 1915.

The marchers were soon on their way down the Great Western Highway following in the footsteps of the 1915 Coo-ees, to the Mt Druitt Waterholes Remembrance Garden, for a commemorative service in the new Anzac Centenary Walk where a Coo-ee March plinth was unveiled on 22nd April this year, and near the Mount Druitt and Colyton Roll of Honour.  This spot was very near where the Coo-ees stopped at Colyton in 1915.

Marchers arriving at Mount Druitt Waterholes Remembrance Garden 8/11/2015

Marchers arriving at Mount Druitt Waterholes Remembrance Garden 8/11/2015

The marchers arrived at Blacktown Showground to prepare for their overnight stay about 2.30 pm.

At 6 pm the marchers met with the Blacktown RSL Sub-Branch for a service at Blacktown RSL Club.  The marchers then enjoyed a buffet dinner as guests of the Blacktown RSL Sub-Branch.  The marchers and support crew then had a get together and had a few speeches, before leaving the club about 9 pm.

 

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Springwood to Penrith Saturday 7th November 2015

Posted on November 7, 2015 | Leave a comment

The marchers left Springwood at 7.10 am.

Marchers leaving Springwood 7/11/2015

Marchers leaving Springwood 7/11/2015

One of the marchers was a descendant of David James Wagner, one of the Springwood recruits, and she pointed out the house where he lived when he joined the Coo-ees in 1915.

The marchers made their way down Mitchells Pass, which was closed to traffic during this period.  Photos were taken at the historic Lennox Bridge, which the Coo-ees marched over in 1915.

Marchers on the Lennox Bridge on Mitchells Pass 7/11/2015

Marchers on the Lennox Bridge on Mitchells Pass 7/11/2015

A welcome ceremony was held at 11 am at the Old School House in Emu Plains, where the Coo-ees stopped and were given bottles of lemonade by the school children in 1915.

Marchers at the Old School House at Emu Plains 7/11/2015

Marchers at the Old School House at Emu Plains 7/11/2015

A piper lead the marchers in a street parade down High Street at 12.30 pm, then a commemorative service was held at Penrith Memory Park, which was well attended by the community.

Marchers arriving at Penrith Memory Park 7/11/2015

Marchers arriving at Penrith Memory Park 7/11/2015

After lunch had been provided to the marchers, they marched to the Penrith Paceway for their overnight stay.

The Mayor of Penrith, Cr. Karen McKeown, and Penrith City Council, hosted a formal function and dinner at the Penrith Paceway for the marchers in the evening.

Two commemorative plaques about the Coo-ee March unveiled at the evening function at Penrith 7/11/2015

Two commemorative plaques about the Coo-ee March unveiled at the evening function at Penrith 7/11/2015

Two commemorative plaques, one for St Marys War Memorial and one for Penrith Memory Park, were unveiled during the proceedings.

The commemorative medallion that was presented to the marchers during the evening function in the Sky Lounge at Penrith Paceway 7/11/2015

The commemorative medallion that was presented to the marchers during the evening function in the Sky Lounge at Penrith Paceway 7/11/2015

A Coo-ee Chocolate Ration, and  a Coo-ee March Centenary Penrith-St Marys commemorative coin, were gifts provided to the marchers, which were very much appreciated.

Marchers Stuart and Geoff being sung happy birthday at the evening function 7/11/2015

Marchers Stuart and Geoff being sung happy birthday at the evening function 7/11/2015

Two of the marchers celebrated a birthday today, and were sung happy birthday, and presented with a birthday cake, at the evening function.

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Katoomba to Springwood Friday 6th November 2015

Posted on November 6, 2015 | Leave a comment

The marchers left Katoomba RSL Club about 7 am.

A commemorative service was held at Lone Pine Park Memorial Gates in Lone Pine Avenue at Leura at 8.30 am.  Helen Thompson talked about Harold Brooks Davis, who joined the Coo-ees in the Blue Mountains, and who is remembered on this memorial, who she believes to have been the youngest of the Coo-ees to enlist, being only 16 years of age when he died in 1917.

Marchers about to leave the Lone Pine Memorial Gates at Leura 6/11/2015

Marchers about to leave the Lone Pine Memorial Gates at Leura 6/11/2015

The marchers then marched to Wentworth Falls where another commemorative service was held at 11 am.

Marchers at the service at Wentworth Falls 6/11/2015

Marchers at the service at Wentworth Falls 6/11/2015

A commemorative service was held at Lawson War Memorial at 2 pm, followed by lunch at the Blue Mountains Hotel, which was provided by the Lawson Combined Services Social Club.

Crowd at the service at Lawson War Memorial 6/11/2015

Crowd at the service at Lawson War Memorial 6/11/2015

The marchers then marched to Springwood, where they arrived about 7.30 pm, just in time for another commemorative service at the Springwood War Memorial at 7.40 pm.  It started raining just after the service.

Marchers arriving at Springwood War Memorial 6/1/2015

Marchers arriving at Springwood War Memorial 6/1/2015

A BBQ dinner was provided by the Blue Mountains Vietnam Veterans & Associated Forces Inc., which was very much appreciated by the marchers.

The marchers stayed overnight at the Wentworth Falls Bowling Club.

 

 

 

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Mt Victoria to Katoomba Thursday 5th November 2015

Posted on November 5, 2015 | Leave a comment

The marchers left Browntown Oval at 7 am, in light rain.

Due to the rain, the commemorative service that had been planned to be held at Blackheath War Memorial was moved to Blackheath-Mt. Victoria RSL Sub-Branch Hall.  The service started at 8.30 am.

Morning tea was provided after the service by the ladies at Blackheath Quota Club.  The marchers left at 9.30 am, being waved goodbye by local school children.

The marchers leaving Blacktown-Mt. Victoria RSL Sub-Branch Hall 5/11/2015

The marchers leaving Blacktown-Mt. Victoria RSL Sub-Branch Hall 5/11/2015

The marchers stopped at the Hydro Majestic for a coffee about 10.30 am.

The marchers arrived at Katoomba at about 12 noon.

The Australian Army Band and the marchers arriving at Katoomba RSL Club 5/11/2015

The Australian Army Band and the marchers arriving at Katoomba RSL Club 5/11/2015

A street parade was held in Katoomba from Katoomba  Street to the Katoomba RSL Club, which was lead by The Australian Army Band from Victoria Barracks, followed by the marchers, and a large number of local school children.

A commemorative service was held at Katoomba Community War Memorial starting at 1 pm.

Marchers at the Katoomba Community War Memorial, later in the afternoon after the service 5/11/2015

Marchers at the Katoomba Community War Memorial, later in the afternoon after the service 5/11/2015

Lunch was provided by Katoomba RSL Club, which was very much appreciated by the marchers.

Katoomba RSL Club very kindly also provided the auditorium for the marchers to stay overnight in, due to the rain.  The marchers had showers at Katoomba Showground.

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Lithgow to Mt Victoria Wednesday 4th November 2015

Posted on November 4, 2015 | 2 comments

Lithgow to Mt Victoria Wednesday 4th November 2015

100 years ago to the day. the Coo-ees arrived at Mt Victoria on 4th November 1915.

Today the marchers left the Tony Luchetti Sportsground at Lithgow at 7 am, following a cooked breakfast provided by the Lithgow Lions Club.

The day was quite wet, with mist and light rain.

They stopped at Hartley for lunch, and took the opportunity to have their photo taken in front of the Old Court House, where the Coo-ees dined, and slept overnight at, in 1915.

Marchers lined up at Old Court House, where the Coo-ees stayed overnight in 1915, 4/11/2015

Marchers lined up at Old Court House, where the Coo-ees stayed overnight in 1915, 4/11/2015

They also had a photo taken in front of the Old Royal Hotel at Hartley, where the Coo-ees also had their photo taken in 1915.

Marchers lined up in spot where the Coo-ees were in 1915, 4/11/2015

Marchers lined up in front of the Old Royal Hotel at Hartley  in the spot where the Coo-ees were in 1915, 4/11/2015

The marchers climbed Berghofers Pass, then arrived at Mt Victoria about 2.45 pm.

Marchers resting at the Imperial Hotel In Mt Victoria 4/11/2015

Marchers resting at the Imperial Hotel In Mt Victoria 4/11/2015

Due to the rain, the commemorative service held at 3 pm was moved to the Ballroom at the Imperial Hotel across the road from the Mt Victoria War Memorial, where afternoon tea was provided by the Blackheath-Mt Victoria RSL Sub-Branch, and the Mt Victoria Community Association Inc.

Laying the wreath at the Mt Victoria War Memorial 4/11/2015

Laying the wreath at the Mt Victoria War Memorial 4/11/2015

The wreath laying ceremony was undertaken at the Mt Victoria War Memorial, where the Last Post was played by the bugler.

Some of the marchers camped at Browntown Oval.  Others camped at the Anglican Church Hall which was kindly made available to them, due to the rain.  A few decided to stay overnight at the Imperial Hotel.

 

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Wallerawang to Lithgow Tuesday 3rd November 2015

Posted on November 3, 2015 | 1 comment

Wallerawang to Lithgow Tuesday 3rd November 2015

The marchers departed Wallerawang at 7 am.

Marchers leaving Wallerawang 3/11/2015

Marchers leaving Wallerawang 3/11/2015

They stopped for lunch at a scenic spot just off Glowworm Tunnel Road at 1.30 pm.

Marchers on track beside Glowworm Tunnel Road, Lithgow 3/11/2015

Marchers on track beside Glowworm Tunnel Road, Lithgow 3/11/2015

Some of the support people were invited to Cooerwull Public School to view the students’ WWI letter writing, research, and artwork.  The support people talked to the students about the Coo-ee March, Don Kenaugh told them a poem written about the Coo-ee March in 1915, then they sang songs with the students including ‘It’s a long way to Tipperary’ and the National Anthem.

WWI display at Cooerwull Public School in Lithgow 3/11/2015

WWI display at Cooerwull Public School in Lithgow 3/11/2015

The marchers arrived at Queen Elizabeth Park in Lithgow about 3.40pm, after marching about 33 km.

A commemorative service was held in light rain at the Lithgow War Memorial, where the Mayor of Lithgow, Cr. Maree Statham, gave them a welcome.

Crowd at commemorative service t Lithgow War Memorial 3/11/2015

Crowd at commemorative service t Lithgow War Memorial 3/11/2015

The marchers then enjoyed a buffet dinner provided by the Lithgow Lions Club at the Civic Ballroom at Tony Luchetti Sportsground.

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Yetholme to Wallerawang Monday 2nd November 2015

Posted on November 2, 2015 | 1 comment

Yetholme to Wallerawang Monday 2nd November 2015

The marchers left Yetholme Community Hall about 6.10 am.  They passed “Brookland Park” where the Coo-ees dined the evening they stayed in Yetholme in 1915.  There had been some more rain overnight, and there was a light shower as they left Yetholme.

Marchers passing 'Brookland Park'' where the Coo-ees dined in 1915 at Yetholme 2/11/2015

Marchers passing ‘Brookland Park” where the Coo-ees dined in 1915 at Yetholme 2/11/2015

They passed through Sunny Corner State Forest on their way to Meadow Flat.

A service was held with the school children from Meadow Flat Public School and some members of the local community at the Meadow Flat War Memorial at 10 am.  This war memorial was unveiled in September 1918, and has the words “Coo-ees rested here” engraved on one of the sides.

Commemorative service at Meadow Flat War Memorial 2/11/2015

Commemorative service at Meadow Flat War Memorial 2/11/2015

On the way from Meadow Flat to Portland a kind couple stopped their car and passed out plastic bottles of water to the marchers, which was very much appreciated.  They they had seen the marchers on the road, then drove into Portland and bought a number of packs of bottled water, then drove back out to meet the marchers.

The marchers arrived at Portland about 1.30 pm, where they had a group photo taken in front of the Coo-ee mural painted on the side of the Portland RSL Club. A short commemorative service was held at the Portland RSL Club, before the marchers were provided with a fine buffet dinner.

Marchers in front of Coo-ee mural t Portland RSL Club 2/11/2015

Marchers in front of Coo-ee mural t Portland RSL Club 2/11/2015

They left Portland at 3 pm, and on the way a lady supplied a box of iceblocks that were eagerly consumed the marchers.

The marchers arrived at Wallerawang about 5.30 pm.  A short commemorative service was held at the Wallerawang War Memorial, where the Mayor of Lithgow, Cr. Maree Statham welcomed the marchers.

Marchers at the commemorative service at Wallerawang War Memorial 2/11/2015

Marchers at the commemorative service at Wallerawang War Memorial 2/11/2015

A dedication ceremony was then held for new mural based on a photo taken of the Coo-ees at Wallerawang in 1915, which was dedicated by the Mayor of Lithgow, and blessed by the Reverend Graeme Yager from St Ambrose Church in Gilgandra, who is accompanying the march.

One of the artists with Cr. Maree Statham. Mayor of Lithgow, and Dan Whitty, President of the Wallerawang War Memorial Committee in front of new Coo-ee March mural 2/11/2015

One of the artists with Cr. Maree Statham. Mayor of Lithgow, and Dan Whitty, President of the Wallerawang War Memorial Committee in front of new Coo-ee March mural 2/11/2015

The marchers then had diner at the Commercial Hotel in Wallerawang.

Approximately 37 km was travelled by the marchers today, which is the longest daily distance to be covered on the march.

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