THE iconic Dorrigo Cenotaph once again stands watch again over our Shire’s Northern Tablelands community thanks to the combined efforts of a local artisan stonemason and Bellingen Shire Council’s Operations Unit staff.

Bellingen Shire Council Mayor, Cr Dominic King, said the marble soldier cenotaph that has stood guard over Dorrigo’s major intersection for 98 years had now been reinstated as the centerpiece of the townships newly constructed roundabout.

“Repairs to the life size marble soldier and the damaged sections of the memorial’s foundations and plaques have been overseen by heritage advisors and the Dorrigo RSL Sub-Branch to ensure the cenotaph is returned to its former glory but retains its period features.”

Cr King said the repair and reinstatement of the cenotaph proved to be a challenging project for all involved given the historical significance of the cenotaph, which commemorates those from the district who died in service of their country during World War One, World War 2 and the Korean War.

“The cenotaph displays the names of men and women whose families have lived here in the district for years and many of their descendants still live in Dorrigo and in our Shire, so it’s important that they have closure, and that the Cenotaph is in place for ANZAC Day commemorations in 2022, which is the centenary of its instalment.”