Hills Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne, Di Coxon-Ellis – President of Glenorie Progress Association,
Hornsby Mayor Warren Waddell and Karl Van Middeldyk – local Stonemason cutting the ribbon.
by Glenorie Progress Association
This is a gratitude message saying a huge thank you to all those who have contributed to this amazing project. The ceremony of 15/02 2026 commenced with the unveiling.
It was an enormously successful opening, the rain stopped for the duration, honoured guests spoke glowingly of the success of the project. Welcome to Country was conducted by Dharug Senior Elder, Uncle Colin Gale. Callum Hoogesteger as MC kept the proceedings flowing, commencing with an interview with Karl on his stonemason’s career path.
President of the GPA, Di Coxon-Ellis spoke of the development from concept to fruition of this carved masterpiece. Robyn Preston Hawkesbury MP and our two Mayors, Dr Michelle Byrne and Warren Waddell were glowing in their praise of our dedicated community member Ray Whiteman and the amazing contribution of the community to this project. Ray’s nephew Brian
Whiteman spoke of the family’s love and admiration of the dedication that Ray gave to this community in a myriad of ways. We heard about the development of this “storybook in stone”, starting with Ray’s original idea to build a barrier wall to protect our attendees at Anzac Day and other military ceremonies at the Glenorie cenotaph in Wal Buckingham Memorial Gardens from Hostile attack. We gained a NSW Government $20,000 grant, plus $10,000 Discretionary Grant through Robyn Preston MP Hawkesbury.
Then we had an idea of a memorial to great community member, Ray Whiteman who passed away in 2019. The Whiteman Family Trust donated $20,000. Thanks to our incredible sculptor, stonemason, artist, Karl Van Middeldyk of Aussie Stonemasons.
This journey started with a neighbourhood chat which led to a vision of, not only a memorial to Ray, but a heritage fence, encompassing the history of our wonderful Glenorie District Community. In 2020, Warren Waddell and Michael Hutchings, then HSC Councillors A Ward, met us on site and we outlined the intended scope. Hornsby Shire Council approved the idea conditionally – that the GPA raise all the funds.
In 2021 we approached Sid Sarkis of Gosford Quarries who quoted sandstone at a discounted cost. The Sarkis family have been a trojan of a supporter all through the five and a half years of development.
The Galston Community Bendigo Bank came on board with a pledge of $50,000 in May 2022. Ralph Steele, Director of Galston Community Bendigo Bank spoke on the bank’s generosity in community support which now totals over an incredible $ 4 million. This is where the word “Community” shines!
We secured two Veterans Grants totalling $2650. Our fence developed into a true story of the heritage of our district, 14 piers symbolising the First Australians, through the pioneering spirit of our convict-built road, transport along the Great North Road, the farming of citrus fruits and other agricultural industries, the volunteers in scouting, sporting fields & during fire flood events plus honouring our veterans.
The Van Middeldyk family donated the Rising Sun Army carving topping an amazing contribution to this entire project.
Hornsby Shire Council contributed enormously – planning, paths, Wal Buckingham Memorial Park upgrade, infill fencing, mower strip, laying the turf. Then laying the pavers and upgrade of the Memorial Hall carpark.
A special mention for Hornsby SC Mayor of Hornsby Warren Waddell who has been on board working tirelessly planning and fund raising for the fence from day dot.
Plus our supporters:
• The Hills Shire Council;
• HCM Building (John Bouchahine);
• Arthur and Betty Nicolson;
• Mrs Lyn Holt & Mark Holt;
• The Rotary Club of Greater Hills;
• Diana Paton & Karlene Brummer – Galston Glenorie & Hills Rural Community News;
• Woolworths Glenorie;
• Nathin Parrin N-Lite Electrical;
• Peter Shearing;
• Abell Signs.
Pavers – through our fundraising effort by VP Hugh Bloch we raised enough funds to build the fence – approximately $45,000. Many residents purchased a paver, all loving living in our semi-rural Village and beyond.
Josh Best catered great Aussie refreshments in our lovely Memorial Hall and guests mingled and discussed the past and the future of our district.
The fence is a testament of what can be achieved when a community comes together, following the example set by Ray Whiteman.
Glenorie Community you have excelled and we can boast of a lasting legacy for generations to come.
THANK YOU GLENORIE COMMUNITY!
