Two years after being damaged by a passing truck, Walgett is celebrating the return of the Man on the Monument, which has stood watching over the town since it was unveiled in 1922. 

Over a century ago, the marble soldier was imported from France, featuring the names of men who voluntarily left the district to take part in World War One.

The local RSL Sub Branch has played a role in making sure Walgett doesn’t lose the asset.

“The Man on the Monument is of great importance to the town of Walgett as the community sees him as the soldier who watches over our town,” Walgett RSL Sub Branch Secretary Kathy Baker said. 

“We were devastated when we learned he had fallen from his post.”

After being damaged by a truck incident in 2021, hopes of repair were soon dashed due to the extent of the damage.

While a replica was being created by sculptor Carl Valerious, Walgett residents were able to enjoy the original monument - restored as much as possible - at the Walgett Memorial Park. 

Too fragile to post, Walgett now has two soldiers, with the original placed at the local memorial park. (Kathy Baker)

Still, Walgett residents are eager to see the replica lone soldier restored to its original home on the roundabout at the intersection of the Castlereagh Highway and Wee Waa Street. 

“Every year the community comes together to help commemorate ANZAC Day at the monument,” Ms Baker said

Unavoidable delays keep monument away

This week marks the arrival of a new Man on the Monument, for which Carl Valerious imported marble from Italy to match the original.

Mr Valerious had previously said that the transportation of the marble was a ‘logistical nightmare’.

 After several delays in the supply chain, the statue didn’t meet its original 2022 unveiling date. 

Instead, residents had their heart set on seeing the lone soldier returned for ANZAC Day this year. 

Despite disappointment that he didn’t make it in time, Walgett Shire Council has warned that traffic may change this week as finally, the lone soldier returns home. 

On the home stretch, weather saw the statue being erected delayed once more, as the shire recorded up to 200 ml of rain in some areas.

The lone soldier is expected to return to his post tomorrow (Thursday 30th November) pending site assessment and no further rain. 

“If only he could speak the stories he could tell!”