Almost 100 years ago a large group of army recruits marched into Campbelltown.
The march had started out of Wagga Wagga with 88 men who had enlisted for World War I military service and decided to march all the way to Sydney – more than 560 kilometres.
This type of march became common at the time, and it was very popular because it tended to attract other recruits as it worked its way to the big smoke.
They all had different names and this one that marched into Campbelltown – the longest of them all – became known as the Kangaroo March.
And by the time they left Campbelltown – the last country town where they picked up new recruits – the Kangaroo March had swelled from 88 to 222 men.
Fast forward 100 years – Saturday, October 10 to be precise – when more than 200 “recruits’’ will march into Campbelltown as part of the re-enactment of the original Kangaroo March.
The modern day re-enactment marchers – some of whom are descendants of the originals – are expected to arrive in Campbelltown at around 2pm, making their way from Menangle, along Queen Street and into Mawson Park, where the march will culminate with a valedictory commemoration.
For some of the participants it will be the end of a 36 day journey from Wagga Wagga to Campbelltown, staying as close to the original route as possible, visiting NSW towns like Junee, Wallendbeen, Binalong, Moss Vale and Thirlmere.
Others will have marched selected sections of the route, varying from a single day to several consecutive days, or made the journey on horseback or in vintage automobiles.
Mayor of Campbelltown, Cr Paul Hawker, said the re-enactment was an opportunity to pay tribute to the men of regional NSW and Campbelltown who served their country.
Cr Hawker encouraged residents to attend the event.
“The commemoration recognises the magnitude of the sacrifice made by our fellow citizens and the devastating impact that World War I had on country communities,” Cr Hawker said.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“The Kangaroo March was a significant event in the nation’s history and we hope the re-enactment inspires current generations to learn more about their local history and this chapter of Campbelltown’s past.[/social_quote]
“This is an important anniversary, and a one in 100 year opportunity to ensure the Kangaroo March, and the men who joined it, are not forgotten,” Cr Hawker said.
For more information about the Kangaroo March, visit the kangaroo march website.
For details of the Campbelltown valedictory commemoration, visit the Anzac centenary website.
