Look closely at the Anzac Parade Plaque before us. It stands as a silent yet powerful storyteller. It connects us to a pivotal moment in Sydney’s history. Anzac Parade Plaque commemorates the road’s renaming in 1917. Randwick Road was widened. It became Anzac Parade honoring the ANZAC troops.
This was no mere road upgrade. It was a tribute to the soldiers of the First Australian Imperial Force. They marched this very street. Their barracks were near the University of New South Wales. They marched to Sydney Harbour. From there they sailed to Europe during World War I.
The Anzac Parade Obelisk stood at the northern end of Anzac Parade. It marked the road’s opening at Moore Park Road’s intersection. The Royal Commission suggested widening the road. They also recommended landscaping the parklands nearby. Moreton Bay figs lined each side of the road. Palms grew along its center. The Obelisk stood at the avenue’s northern end.
Robert Hargreave Brodrick designed the ANZAC Obelisk. He was the City Architect. He designed many municipal buildings. These included the Municipal Baths and the Municipal Markets.
The ANZAC Obelisk is tapered. It stands about eight meters high. It is made of yellow Sydney sandstone. A four-sided pyramidal apex tops it. The year 1917 appears in bronze. It is within a laurel wreath. The words “Anzac Parade” are also there.
The plaque reads: “This remodelled roadway was officially opened by Lady Mayoress of Sydney Mrs RD Meagher 1917.” It also names other key figures. These include The Rt Hon RD Meagher, RH Brodrick, AM Brigg, and TN Nesbitt.
The obelisk cost £284. Stonework cost £95. Metalwork cost £189. Wunderlich Ltd made the metalwork. They were known for terracotta tiles and ornamental metalwork.
On January 9 1917 Lord Mayor Alderman RD Meagher proposed the name Anzac Parade. He believed the improved road deserved a striking name. He suggested Anzac Parade. The council adopted his recommendation. They communicated the decision to government authorities.
The council wanted the name to extend from the city to Botany Bay. This would create a long continuous thoroughfare. It would honor those the country desired to honor. Randwick Municipal Council agreed to rename Eastern Avenue, Bunnerong Road, and Broad Road. They would all become Anzac Parade.
Troops used Moore Park for drills during the war. Randwick Road was part of their route. They marched from Kensington Racecourse to military transport ships. Crowds cheered them on along Oxford Street.
The ANZAC Obelisk became a focal point for Anzac Day commemorations. Its construction predated other memorials. These included the Martin Place Cenotaph and the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park.
Newspapers reported commemorative activities each year. Photos showed the Obelisk adorned with wreaths. Returned soldiers and families gathered at the ANZAC Obelisk. They honored their fallen comrades.
Today the Anzac Parade Plaque reminds us of this history. It connects us to the sacrifices made. It also connects us to the community that honored them. As you walk along Anzac Parade consider the weight of its history.