Concerns over safety of Byron Bay war memorial

MEMBERS of the Byron Bay RSL are calling for urgent restoration work on the Byron Bay War Memorial, warning that damaged tiles and sections separating from the wall pose a potential safety risk.

The Byron Bay War Memorial Gates, located at the Recreation Grounds on Tennyson Street, were officially opened on November 11, 1922 (Armistice Day). Constructed from local bluestone by returned soldier Walter McAndrew, the gates originally honoured those who died in World War I, including V. Watego – a name still familiar to many through Wategos Beach.

In 1953, names of those who served in World War II were added, and the original gates were replaced due to deterioration.

The memorial underwent a major refurbishment in 2016, introducing a new structure featuring three large natural basalt columns and a black marble wall that now serves as a backdrop for commemorative services. The upgrade included new tiling and waterproofing to help preserve the site, funded through a combination of a Federal Government grant marking the World War I centenary, as well as contributions from the RSL and the local community.

However, that work is now showing signs of failure. Several tiles have cracked, and in one section backing onto the sporting fields, the resin has deteriorated, leaving a gap between the tiles and the wall.

“It’s an OH&S issue,” Byron Bay RSL member Bob Crosthwaite said.

He said a 30-centimetre concrete buffer is also needed between the wall and the lawn to prevent damage from lawn mowers.

Crosthwaite estimates it will cost about $80,000 to remove the tiles, clean and reseal the surface, and replace them.

“Council has made an application for us to seek $15,000 through community funding, and there was to be a Council contribution and a contribution from Byron Bay RSL,” he said.

Byron Bay RSL Club president Kevin Tibbett said addressing the issue promptly was essential.

“We’re very aware of the ageing membership of our RSL,” he said. “We want to ensure the memorial is sound and preserved into the future, because we may not be here to do it.”

There are also plans to contact the families of those named on the memorial to gather more detailed historical information.

“The history of this memorial is scattered across many places – in veterans’ bottom drawers, our own sub-branch records and old newspaper clippings,” Crosthwaite said.