City of Parramatta Council and Parramatta RSL Sub Branch have unveiled a new bronze 'Digger' statue at Prince Alfred Square, just in time for this year's Anzac Day commemorations.
The life-size statue, which depicts a World War I soldier, was commissioned by Council and Parramatta RSL Sub Branch to commemorate the Centenary of Armistice in 2018.
The project came to fruition this year after Parramatta RSL Sub Branch received State and Federal grants, in addition to a 50 per cent contribution from Council.
"The new Digger statue at Prince Alfred Square is a significant and powerful addition to Parramatta's first and largest First World War Memorial," City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Andrew Wilson said.
"It is fitting to have a lasting tribute to members of the Parramatta community who courageously served our nation in World War I and subsequent wars."
Together with Parramatta RSL Sub Branch, Council has spent 12 months planning for the statue's installation in heritage-listed Prince Alfred Square.
Sub Branch Vice-President Doug Mackay said the statue was an appropriate and inspiring accolade to Parramatta's service personnel.
"Parramatta RSL Sub Branch's vision was to install a respectful tribute in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the ending of World War I," Mr Mackay said.
"Anzac Day is the most important day on the Sub Branch calendar as it allows the community the opportunity to come along and honour the sacrifices made by those in service. We are delighted the statue will be on display at this year's Anzac Day service."
Anzac Day ceremonies at Parramatta's Prince Alfred Square attract more than 2,000 attendees every year.
This year, Council will continue to support Anzac Day services in conjunction with Parramatta RSL Sub Branch and Epping RSL Sub Branch, as well as a free Anzac Day 'touch table' experience at the Parramatta Heritage and Visitor Information Centre.
The 'touch table' WWI interactive display will exhibit 1,962 biographies and accounts of Parramatta service personnel, including photos, diaries and biographies.
For a gold coin donation, visitors will also be able to take home a publication from a WWI series of books.
ANZAC Day dawn services
Hosted by Parramatta RSL Sub Branch
4.15am: Service March from Parramatta RSL to the Cenotaph, Prince Alfred Square
4.30am: ANZAC Day Dawn Service, Prince Alfred Square, Parramatta
Followed by breakfast at Parramatta RSL Auditorium
Hosted by Epping RSL Sub Branch
6am: ANZAC Day Dawn Service, Forest Park Epping
