Nestled within the rural confines of Northern NSW, the Clarence Valley is a long way from overseas conflicts, scenes of devastating and destructive wars, and peacekeeping operations.

But through the years, its residents have never hesitated to selflessly answer calls to help protect their country, their local community, and everything they know and hold dear, by enlisting and volunteering to serve with courage, pride, and honour, and in many instances paying the ultimate sacrifice so their today could become our tomorrow.

While some journeyed to faraway lands, never to return home, others dedicated themselves to assisting through local efforts and organisations, volunteering their personal time in support of a greater cause.

And now, their invaluable contributions from early European settlement in the region to the end of World War II (WWII) have been captured by dedicated members of the Clarence River Historical Society (CRHS), who have diligently compiled their stories and their memories in 250 pages, so the history of the past can continue to be honoured in the present.

On June 25, more than 50 people including family members and representatives of servicemen and servicewomen, both former and current, came together at Grafton’s Schaeffer House Museum to attend the official launch of local publication A Military Connection.

Speaking on behalf of CRHS President Steve Tranter, the Vice President of the CRHS Pat James said it was a wonderful occasion to celebrate and to share with the community.

“It is both a privilege and a solemn duty to stand before you today as we reflect upon and honour the extraordinary efforts of our military personnel, the civilian support networks, and the unwavering dedication of the people of the Clarence Valley,” she said.

“We gather today to honour the military personnel who answered the call of duty, many of them leaving quiet rural properties or busy city streets, and head into the unknown with courage, determination, and a fierce sense of loyalty.

“They fought in foreign lands, on the sea and in the air, often in unimaginable conditions.

“Their bravery, and sometimes their final breath, was given not for reward or recognition, but for the belief in something greater than themselves.

“But our history is not made up solely of those on the front lines.

“We must also remember the quiet force of resilience and dedication at home.

“The ancillary organisations such as the Red Cross, the Women’s Auxiliary Services, volunteer medical units, and community aid groups, and the indispensable roles they played.

“Their contributions remind us that war is never fought by soldiers alone; it is borne by entire communities.

“As we remember our military personnel, let us also shine a light on those whose stories were not written in the headlines, but in the quiet moments of care and commitment.

“And let us thank the volunteers of the CRHS whose ongoing work has ensured these memories are not forgotten.”

Member of the CRHS and self-described “self-taught but enthusiastic historian” Wendy Ford, who worked tirelessly during the production of A Military Connection, said the book is not just a collection of pages, it is a testament to the rich history and heritage of our beloved Clarence Valley.

“In 1914, the Grafton City Council area had a population of 3000, and if you joined Maclean and Ulmarra together along with Yamba, there is another 3500,” she revealed.

“From those few numbers, 3350 men from the Clarence Valley enlisted to serve our country.

“This book documents how Clarence Valley residents have always answered the call to serve their country.”

Ms Ford said the intention behind A Military Connection was to tell of the impact of conflicts on the daily lives of Clarence Valley residents, adding its publication was also made possible by a heritage grant awarded through Clarence Valley Council (CVC).

In acknowledgement of their support, Clarence Valley Councillors including Deputy Mayor Greg Clancy, Councillor Allison Whaites, and Councillor Shane Causley, who all attended the book launch last month, were presented with a copy of A Military Connection.

Another copy was also gifted to Lieutenant Colonel Danial Healy, a Commanding Officer of the 41st Battalion Royal NSW Regiment Northern Rivers, who extended his appreciation to the CRHS for their enormous efforts in compiling the book.

A Military Connection can be purchased for $35 from Schaeffer House Museum, which is located at 190 Fitzroy Street, Grafton.

The museum is open between 1-4pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday.

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 9 July 2025.