Dedication of Plaques and Rose Bushes
As most people would know Wyalkatchem now has a memorial rose garden to pay tribute to those service men and women who have returned from active service during wartime. What is unique about Wylie's memorial is that it is not only dedicated to those who died in wartime but also to those who returned alive.
The memorial rose garden has been planned by Gary Ashelford, who has also been growing and grafting the roses. The first of six stages has now been built, with the intention of building a stage a year. Rocks were obtained from local farmers, roses mainly from Vic Garn with a few from the Shire's rose garden, so the project is a real community effort. Members of the Corrective Services Wheatbelt Work Camp have helped with much of the rock work The Shire has so far not had to contribute anything financially to the project as all labour has been voluntary and the price of materials has been covered by a Saluting Their Service Grant of $4000 from the Department of Veterans' Affairs and the contributions made for the plaques and rose bushes. Community Liaison Officer Barry Keens has been a driving force behind the project, being the main coordinator.
74 rose bushes now have plaques commemorating returned personnel and Reverend John Martin dedicated these rose bushes in a service held on the Saturday of the Heritage and Rose Festival. This was preceded by a bracket of very entertaining and uniquely "Wylie" songs by the Wyalkatchem choir under the guidance of Barb Garner. Several families came up especially for the commemoration to see the rose bushes and plaques. 5 more plaques have since been ordered. If a member of your family has returned to the district at any time from war service you are invited to commemorate them with a rose bush and plaque. Cost is $100. Forms can be downloaded here or collected from the Shire offices. Cheques made out to the Shire of Wyalkatchem can be sent to Barry Keens Wyalkatchem Shire Council PO Box 224 Wyalkatchem 6485. For more information phone Barry on (08)9681 1166 or email clo@wyalkatchem.wa.gov.au
