April 27, 2015
Tara’s Hall at Nanango was packed on Anzac Day Eve for the official launch of the South Burnett’s new online database of the region’s World War I veterans.
The “Every Man Remembered – South Burnett Heroes” project was put together by Nanango researchers, Visitor Information Centre volunteers and “super sleuths” Daun Clapperton and Robyn Peterson.
They began six years ago with a plan just to research Nanango war veterans.
“We saw the need to document the military men of Nanango who served in World War I,” Daun said.
But then along came then-Mayor David Carter who suggested it would be nice if it included the whole South Burnett.
“And they agreed,” Cr Barry Green said.
There are now 1268 names on the database, but it is guaranteed that will not be the final number, with new names and details being discovered all the time.
“Daun and Robyn thought they had everyone until last Tuesday when they discovered Cherbourg had found another 17 people,” Cr Green said.
“So they had to put them in quickly before tonight.”
The fact that the information has been assembled in a database means it is easy to amend or update, add photos etc.
Also included are details of any medals that the South Burnett veterans have won.
“There are 54 medals … including one VC, an impressive achievement for a small community,” Daun said.
The project was recognised by a 2014 National Trust Heritage award and Cr Green said he was cranky the pair had missed out on winning a South Burnett Australia Day award for all their hard work.
“I’m not seeking re-election so I can be as controversial as I like,” Cr Green joked.
“What these girls have done is absolutely fantastic.”
Cr Green and Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington officially launched the database, which is an extension to the South Burnett Regional Council website.
Paintings by Judith Goodman of Anzac Cove and the soldier statue at Blackbutt Cemetery were presented to Daun and Robyn for all their hard work.
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Friday night’s ceremony also included an explanation by Andrea McKenzie of the 5000 Poppy project.
More than 5000 poppies were crocheted, knitted, felted or sewn in South Burnett towns, and just under 1300 were sent down to Melbourne to represent South Burnett World War I enlistments in a huge display in Federation Square.
Amongst the poppies were some purple ones, to represent the animals that also served – horses, donkeys, camels, dogs and pigeons.
A large display of the hand-made poppies was on stage in Tara’s Hall.
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Historian Liz Caffery also presented a Nanango version of her World War I powerpoint display.
The first Nanango soldier to die at Gallipoli was Norman Rushforth who was killed on April 26, 1915, at Gallipoli.
Liz said more than 200 South Burnett men did not return from the Great War.
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The evening also included a performance by Brisbane singer Tony Foran of his Anzac tribute “100 Years On”, and “Hymn To Anzac” by the Blackbutt Singers.
- External link: The Every Man Remembered database
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This was a great evening and a real tribute to the dedication of Daun and Robyn, Andrea and Liz. The history that Daun, Robyn and Liz have brought to the South Burnett residents may have been lost to us forever if they had not persevered and uncovered long forgotten records and photos. Liz’s book and the powerpoint presentation from it were truly moving. Andrea has given many residents an opportunity to pay homage to our troops and her achievements should be applauded. Thank you to NaTDA and the RSL for bringing this together – well done to all concerned. You have given us all a great gift.