In 1914, when the First World War was declared, Kiama was made a recruitment and enlistment centre and a military camp was set up at the Kiama Pavilion. A second camp, Barroul Camp, was established where the Kiama Hospital (Bluehaven Bonaira) is located.
Soldiers were gathered to the cause from long recruitment marches through Kiama and surrounding areas.
Up to 2000 soldiers camped on the showground at a time, and the Pavilion was used as a recreational hall for the soldiers. The Kiama camps were abandoned by November 1916. By this time, around 20,000 soldiers had passed through the camps.
Today we honour the enormous sacrifices of these soldiers and those who served in other wars, and the loved ones left behind.
Lest we forget.
Kiama Memorial Arch c.1925
The South Coast Waratahs March along Terralong Street, Kiama, in 1915
Gerringong Memorial Hall
Lest We Forget. Dawn service, Kiama Blowhole, 2014