Bellingen Shire Council is pleased to announce the completion of restoration works on the Dorrigo War Memorial, in time for the upcoming Anzac Day services.
The 104-year-old cenotaph was vandalised in April 2025, with two visitors to the area later convicted and sentenced to pay for repairs in July 2025.
Bellingen Shire Council Mayor Cr. Steve Allan said the restoration marks an important outcome for the Dorrigo community.
“The memorial has been returned to its rightful condition following carefully undertaken restoration works to repair the damage to the statue’s rifle,” Mayor Allan said.
“The restoration works included having the new rifle carved from Italian Carrara marble which was sourced from China and then shipped to Australia.
“This memorial holds deep meaning for the Dorrigo community, and it was important that it was restored to a safe and respectful condition ahead of Anzac Day services.
“Places like this are where our community comes together to reflect, remember and honour those who have served, and we’re proud to see it restored with care and respect.”
Dorrigo RSL Sub Branch President Jim McLeod said the Sub Branch was very grateful for the restoration works.
“We sincerely thank Bellingen Shire Council, along with everyone involved in the restoration of the memorial. The restoration process went very smoothly and was completed in a timely manner, ensuring this important site of remembrance is preserved.”
Council will facilitate road closures for the Anzac Day memorial services across the Shire, commemorating the service and sacrifice of local men and women who have contributed to the safety of our country and community.
The people of Bellingen Shire are invited to gather this Anzac Day to honour servicemen and women at services across Bellingen, Dorrigo and Urunga. Temporary road closures will be in place to support the safe delivery of services.The following road closures will be in effect for Anzac Day services on Saturday 25 April 2026:
Dorrigo Services
• Dawn Service: Road closure from 5:00am to 7:00am, with the service commencing at 5:30am.
• Day Service: Road closure from 10:30am to 12:30pm, with the service beginning at 11:00am.
• Roads affected: Hickory Street & Cudgery Street.
• Detours: Eastbound traffic from Cudgery Street diverted via Bielsdown and Pine Streets. Westbound or northbound traffic diverted along Cedar and Bielsdown Streets.
Bellingen Services
• Dawn Service: Road closure of Oak Street from 5:15am to 6:15am, with the service starting at 5:30am.
• Day Service: Road closure of Hyde, Oak and Church Streets from 8:45am to 10:30am, with the service commencing at 9:00am.
• Roads affected: Hyde Street (Waterfall Way), Church Street (south) at the intersection of Hyde Street to William Street, and Oak Street to Robert Street Lane.
• Detour: Available via Short Street Lane.
Urunga Services
• Dawn Service: Road closure from 6:00am to 7:30am, with the service commencing at 6:30am.
• Day Service: Road closure from 10:30am to 12:30pm, with the service beginning at 11:00am.
• Roads affected: Bowra Street & Bonville Street.
• Detours: All traffic from Bowra Street diverted via Orara and Morgo Streets. Bonville Street traffic diverted via Newry and Bellingen Streets.
To ensure smooth traffic flow, Traffic Controllers will be stationed at each closure point to assist local traffic. Residents and visitors are advised to plan their journeys, accordingly, allowing extra travel time and adhering to traffic diversions.
Bellingen Shire Council acknowledges the cooperation and understanding of the community during these temporary closures as we come together to honour the legacy of our Anzacs.
