Local hero remembered

Eurobodalla councillors will join NSW Police officers to honour the memory of Constable Miles O’Grady of Nerrigundah this Saturday.

150 years ago, Constable O’Grady had risen from his sick bed to join his colleague Constable Smyth and confront the notorious Clarke Gang who were plundering the town. Killing one of the bushrangers, they remained outnumbered and Constable O’Grady was killed in the shooting that followed.

To commemorate the death of their colleague, the NSW Police Far South Coast Local Area Command will conduct a Flag Ceremony at Constable O’Grady’s memorial in the main street of Nerrigundah this Saturday 9 April at 1pm.

The monument to Constable O’Grady was erected at Nerrigundah by the NSW Government some time after his death. NSW Police want to make sure the monument is preserved and have proposed it be cleaned and the mound on which it sits reinforced. This proposal is strongly supported by Eurobodalla Council’s Heritage Advisory Committee.

“The preservation of this important memorial is a very worthwhile project”, said Clr Liz Innes, chair of the committee.

“Remembering our local heroes and our heritage means that we don’t forget those who came before and who made this region what it is today,” she said.

“Council will work productively with NSW Police to facilitate the preservation works as part of the community identity of Nerrigundah.”