By TANIA PHILLIPS
KINGSCLIFF RSL has unveiled the latest two plaques in their Murphy’s Road Memorial Walkway project.
The walkway was first unveiled back in 2007 and features one and a half banks of plaques, many prepared by local schools, and dedicated to different events in the theatres of war.
However the latest plaques paid tribute to heroes a lot close to home – Marvis Gilmore and Ivan Mackay – two of the main driving forces behind the walkway.
Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot paid tribute to Mavis Gilmore and Ivan MacKay at the dedication of their plaques at the Murphy’s Road Memorial Walkway.
“It’s an honour to be here today to recognise Mavis Gilmore and Ivan Mackay and the important role they played in the development of Wommin Bay Hostel and subsequently theMurphy’s Road Memorial Walkway,” she said at the dedication.
“They are two extraordinarily people committed to helping others in our community. Both Mavis and Ivan served on the committee of the Wommin Bay Hostel.
“In the early 1990s they recognised that it would be beneficial for residents to have a safe walkway linked to a viewing platform where residents and the community could sit and enjoy the views overlooking the ocean,” Justine said.
In 1994 the merits of their campaign were acknowledged by the Tweed Shire Council and a partnership was formed between the council, Wommin Bay Hostel and the Department of Veteran Affairs.
On 26 April 2007 General Peter Cosgrove AC, MC officially opened the Murphy’s Road Memorial Walkway.
“It seems fitting that today the two driving forces Mavis Gilmore and Ivan Mackay behind the establishment of this Murphy’s Road Memorial Walk way now become part of it,” said Justine.
Kingscliff RSL vice-president Brian Vickery said the dedication went “exceedingly well”.
“Barry Longland did the history from a council perspective, Justine provided histories on Mavis and Ivan and Brian explained the reasoning behind representing the reserved occupations,” he said.
“The pathway proved its worth as many members of the public strolled through to walk their dogs, walk on the beach or surf – several stopped to listen to the presentations. As always we attended the Feros Nursing home for a morning tea and a chat with some of the residents – this proved very rewarding.
“Ivan attended and voiced his gratitude that such an honour could be paid to himself and Mavis. Overall, assisted by great weather, the morning was very successful and continued the ’evolutionary’ nature of the walkway.”
