The long anticipated sculpture project which depicts a meeting between Sir John Monash and Ned Kelly culminated in the unveiling of the finished artwork in Jerilderie on Sunday.
Not even the wild weather - including a lightning lit fire, pouring rain, flooding, strong winds and a power outage - could dampen the spirits of the townsfolk and many visitors to the town, who had come to be entertained and celebrate.
Councillor Faith Bryce welcomed all in attendance, giving special mention to Michael Headberry of the Saluting Monash Council, Member for Albury Justin Clancy and Murrumbidgee Council Deputy Mayor Robert Black.
One special guest unable to attend was the artist himself, Brett Garling.
Guest speakers included the great-grandson of Sir John Monash, Michael Bennett, who gave a very interesting speech about his great grandfather.
After a short address of his own, Dr Tony Fischer AM then unveiled the statue to the delight of the crowd.
Before the official part of the day, entertainment had been provided by the Albury/Wodonga Pipes and Drums Band, school children with a bucket drumming performance, the Barellan Light Horse and Lachie Cossor’s amazing show of whip cracking and horsemanship.
A lively re-enactment of John Monash meeting Ned Kelly took place at ‘The Willows’.
It was directed by Ben Stonnill, with Jonathan King OAM as narrator, Jim Lawton as Ned Kelly and Evan Lawton as the young John Monash.
Monash Committee member Irene Wells said it was a stirring rendition that set the scene before the unveiling.
“Many of the 300 or more people who attended from far and wide enjoyed a splendid afternoon tea provided by the hard-working committee, at the town hall,” she said.
“Earlier, special guests had been treated to a delicious lunch provided by the Uniting Church ladies.
“It was a memorable day for the small town of Jerilderie which now has, set in bronze, a statue depicting a unique incident in the town’s history, which took place back in the 1870s.”
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