Maldon RSL Sub-Branch, Tarrangower Times

On 9 January 1916, the nine-month campaign known as the Gallipoli Campaign ended with the evacuation of the last ANZAC troops from Gallipoli.

It was only four months later that the Maldon Progress Association met to ‘improve the surroundings of the town and plant trees to the memory of Pioneers, Maldon residents and Maldon soldiers killed in WWI’.

The first goal achieved was the renaming of Garfields Hill to ANZAC Hill. This became one of the first ANZAC memorials in Australia.

During the following 12 months, trees were planted, tracks smoothed and memorial circles of trees planted. The first memorial service was conducted on Sunday 12 August 1917 with approximately 2,000 people in attendance.

The site was officially opened in November 1917.

By the end of World War I, 470 men and women from Maldon and district had served in defence of the Commonwealth, and approximately 80 of them had died.

Forty five are honoured on ANZAC Hill.

The ‘war trophy’, the Turkish field gun, and the plane spotters’ hut on the south east side of the hill, which was first erected during WWII, are reminders of the impact of world conflict on our community.

ANZAC Hill serves as a place to remember the sacrifice of war.

This year, the Maldon RSL Sub-Branch will be recognising the importance of ANZAC Hill in the history of our town.

Maldon RSL Sub-Branch will be conducting a commemorative service at the flagpole on ANZAC Hill on Friday 24 April 2026, commencing at 5pm.

Members of the public are most welcome.

This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 24 April 2026.