Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Statue - Gunnedah
Direct Phone Number : (02) 6740 2233
Return to Gunnedah
In 1905, during a visit to one of her family's properties "Kurrumbede", the
breaking of a harsh and prolonged drought inspired Dorothea Mackellar to
write the first draft of what was to become Australia's most beloved poem;
"My Country". The poem was later finished in England.
A life-sized, bronze statue now stands in Anzac park as a permanent memorial
to one of Australia's best known daughters. The memorial is the work of
Dennis Adams, and was unveiled on January 26, 1983. A short tape recording,
featuring the voice of Dorothea Mackellar can be heard at the tourist centre.
Each year an Australia wide poetry competition is held in over 1,000 schools
and over 10 000 students participate with the winner is announced in Gunnedah
on Australia Day.
Provisions for disabled: flat open area, accessible by wheelchair.
