Beacon

Artist : Collaboration. Michael Purdy, James Rogers, Stephen King

Material : Sydney Sandstone, Steel, Concrete, Polished Granite & Bronze

Year Created : 2019

Special Note : Cenotaph War Memorial

Artist's Location : South Coast, NSW & Walcha

Type : Sculpture

Size : 3.0 x 6.0 x 6.0m

This memorial monument was erected by the Walcha sub-branch of the Returned Services League acknowledging the generosity of the citizens of Walcha, Walcha Council and the NSW Government.

It was designed by Walcha sculptors James Rogers and Stephen King with sculptor Michael Purdy and the Walcha Council assisting with construction.

“Commemorating Walcha District personnel who have served in regions of armed conflict in the defence of freedom”

THE SCULPTURE

Six large sandstone columns stand erect in hexagonal formation, each dedicated to the remembrance of different armed conflicts following WWII.

These columns are connected by sandstone beams, that have the appearance of fellow comrades-in-arms standing in a linked embrace, arms around shoulders, united and stronger as one.

The structure, a housing for the eternal flame.

The mosaic in the centre of the memorial; its spiral formation representing the internal casing of a gun barrel. The tiles around its edge read "Commemorating Walcha District personnel who have served in regions of armed conflict in the defence of freedom"

THE ARTISTS

Michael Purdy is a multi-award winning Australian sculptor, living on the south coast of NSW.

Stephen King is a renowned sculptor and farmer local to Walcha

& James Rogers is a renowned Australian artist and sculptor. James made the permanent move to Walcha from Sydney in 2009.