If you passed by the Narromine War Cemetery recently and thought it was looking a bit bare, rest assured, it’s all part of a plan to revitalise the site by the Office of Australian War Graves (OAWG). 

The garden beds have been almost completely stripped of vegetation to remove non-endemic species and plants at end-of-life or that have been compromised by pests or disease, according to a spokesperson from the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). 

“Under the direction of the OAWG, planting at Narromine War Cemetery commenced on August 5, 2023. The planting includes two rose species in headstone and border garden beds – Rosa ‘Veterans’ Honour’ and ‘Remember Me’,” the DVA spokesperson said. 

This horticultural renewal will incorporate additional planting to commence in the coming weeks, including rosemary, nandinas, and dwarf agapanthus. Two bottlebrush shrubs that were removed due to their age and decaying health will also be replaced. 

"All is okay" RSL says 

The work is being carried out with the full knowledge and support of the Narromine sub-branch of the Returned and Services League (RSL), which conducts memorial services at the site. 

Narromine RSL President, David Taylor, and Secretary/Treasurer, Diane Beaumont, met the team undertaking the work at the start of the project in early August.  

“New roses have been planted and progressive replacement of other flora is underway. All is okay,” Mr Taylor told The Western Plains App. 

The OAWG is responsible for managing the care and maintenance of more than 336,000 official commemorations for war dead and Australian veterans at rest in more than 2,400 sites across Australia. 

“This includes some 13,000 Commonwealth service men and women commemorated in 72 Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) war cemeteries,” the DVA spokesperson said. 

PHOTO: Looking a little bare, but new roses have been planted at the Narromine War Cemetery. 

Wartime links remain strong 

The Narromine War Cemetery is a CWGC site that contains 12 graves of service personnel who lost their lives during the Second World War, including one RAF [Royal Air Force], eight RAAF and three Army personnel, some of whom died in training accidents according to the NSW War Memorials Register. The neighbouring Narromine cemetery contains the graves of an additional five RAAF personnel.  

The town has a long association with the defence forces, having hosted the No. 5 Elementary Flying Training School in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) at the local aerodrome during the Second World War. The Narromine Aviation Museum appropriately charts that history. 

As the CWGC’s Agent in Australia, the OAWG applies the Commission’s high standard of horticultural and structural maintenance to ensure war dead are appropriately commemorated and cared for in perpetuity, the DVA spokesperson said. 

“War Cemeteries are places of dignity and solemn contemplation. They comprise many structural, commemorative and horticultural components… developed in accordance with best practice and inclusive of CWGC standards [and site-specific specifications]. 

“The OAWG is committed to appropriately recognising the service and sacrifice of eligible Australian Defence Force Members and providing next of kin, relatives and communities a place of dignity, serenity and respect where one can reflect in a peaceful manner," the DVA spokesperson said. 

The Narromine project is expected to be completed by the end of August 2023. 

PHOTO: Roses will once again grace the 12 graves in the near future.