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THE MURALS
2. Murals:
The four murals are reflective of the War and are meant to be
thought provoking. The northern murals features maps of Anzac Cove and
the Hunter Valley over a pair of searching eyes. The striking western
mural shows silhouettes of soldiers against a sunset, and echoes words
from the Ode of Remembrance; “At the going down of the sun and in the
morning we will remember them”.
The eyes over the map of New South Wales perhaps may represent the
fear and lack of control, in this new type of war, exhibited by soldiers
involved in battle. The work is by local talented street artist, Michael
Langenegger.
The often diligent and caring involvement of nurses in the war is very
well represented by Kerri Smith on the eastern mural. This mural depicts
ANZAC Cove and features Matron Grace Wilson, who arrived on
Lemnos Island shortly after learning of her brother’s death at Quinn’s
Post in Gallipoli. She was the principal matron of the 3rd Australian
General Hospital from 1915 - 1919.
Further Research
Where is Lemnos?
The southern mural depicts red poppies as an expression of hope. Poppies
were in flower when the ANZACs landed at Gallipoli in 1915.
The plaque and the northern mural can be seen from Burns Street,
Redhead. Visitors will require permission from the Redhead Public
School Principal and need to sign in at the School Office for a closer look.
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