Award-winning bush poet and local figure Noel Stallard OAM is known for his literary and performing talents, but his contributions to the community extend far beyond the stage.
For the past few years, he and fellow residents of Wheller on the Park in Chermside have gathered each Australia Day to place 600 flags on the war graves at Lutwyche Cemetery. The tribute honours the men and women who gave their lives in service to Australia.
Noel said the project was born from a desire to ensure that the memory of these soldiers remains alive in the hearts of Australians.
“The sight of 600 flags flapping on the war graves is attention-grabbing and memorable for those who view,” Noel said.
“There is no ceremony involved, we just put the flags out at sunrise and pick them up at sunset on Australia Day.”
An Inspiring Community Effort
Noel became aware of a group of ex-service personnel doing something similar at Castlebrook Memorial Park in Rouse Hill, New South Wales. Inspired by this initiative, he sought permission from Brisbane City Council and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to carry out the project.
“Both authorities were very enthusiastic and approving of the project,” he said.
Wheller on the Park, a retirement living community, has since secured the necessary approvals to continue the project for years to come.
This year will mark the fourth year of the tribute, which is quickly becoming a local tradition.
The flags are provided by Kedron-Wavell, with 16 volunteers from Wheller on the Park’s activities shed helping to place the flags at sunrise and 10 returning at sunset to collect them.
“Most of the team have been Nashos (National Service Personnel) who were very keen to be involved,” Noel said.
Noel, who was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his service to literature in 2019, has also written a poem, Our Flags Will Wave on Lutwyche Graves, to commemorate the project and the men and women it honours.
As Australia Day approaches on 26 January, residents and visitors to the area are invited to witness the sight of 600 flags waving in tribute to the fallen.
“We have only had positive comments from those who have viewed this display,” Noel said.
Lutwyche Cemetery is located on the corner of Gympie Road and Kitchener Road, Kedron.
Check out this map of the cemetery showing the location of the war graves here.
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