While most cyclists take in the scenery and their own thoughts while riding their bike, a cycleway between Branxton and Greta will have them thinking about something very close to the hearts of veterans.
The Branxton Greta Memorial Cycleway attracted a Federal Government grant of $1.95million to fund four kilometres of cycleway with the construction balance from Cessnock City Council.
The cycleway will be a dedication to the 321 members of the Branxton and Greta communities, who enlisted in WW1 and served in times of war and peacekeeping and will act as both a memorial and a reminder of the significance of small country towns during times of war.
Chairman of the of the Branxton Greta Memorial Cycleway organisation, Brett Wild has spent four years on the project alongside Cessnock City Council, as well as volunteers and members of the Branxton Greta Memorial Cycleway Board. All involved are delighted their persistence has paid off.
“The hope is to bring people to understand the role that small country towns played in WW1,” said Mr Wild.
“It is not about glorifying war, but about honouring the commitment of the members of these communities.”
According to Mr Wild, the memorial will be very beneficial to the communities of Greta and Branxton as it will provide a safe passage between the two towns and will also provide a sense of connectivity between the two communities.
“The memorial will improve the economic viability of the towns, by attracting tourism,” said Mr Wild.
“People are interested in Veterans, one only has to look at the Anzac Walk to see that people are interested.”
During his time as the NSW Governor-General, The Honourable David John Hurley endorsed the memorial cycleway and acted as a patron for the project.
Now in his new role as the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Mr Wild states that the Branxton Greta Memorial Cycleway organisation has extended an offer for him to continue his involvement and are waiting for his response.
*This story was published on Friday, July 3 2020.
