New additions to Singleton Hall of Fame help to tell Australia’s story
Published on 29 November 2024
Two Singleton-based organisations that have made an important mark on Australia’s national identity are the latest additions to the Wambo Coal Singleton Hall of Fame.
The Northern Agricultural Association (NAA) and the Australian Army Infantry Museum became the 80th and 81st inductees at a special ceremony held at Singleton Civic Centre last night, which also celebrated the 15th year of the partnership between Singleton Council and Wambo Coal.
The Singleton Hall of Fame recognises and honours those individuals, families and organisations who were born in or have a strong association with Singleton and who have attained prominence at a State, national or international level in their field of endeavour.
Appropriately, the NAA’s induction coincided with the 150th Singleton Show in September, and came 156 years after the Association was formed in 1868. In addition to the Singleton Show, the organisation also holds an annual rodeo in April and a campdraft in October.
The Australian Army Infantry Museum was officially opened soon after the Infantry Centre was established in Singleton in 1973, and moved into its current award-winning, purpose-built, accessible gallery space in 2011. The Museum is home to an extensive collection of Infantry Corps history and artefacts and has been described as the Hunter Valley’s answer to the Australian War Memorial.
Mayor of Singleton, Cr Sue Moore said the Wambo Coal Singleton Hall of Fame induction ceremony was an important occasion because it recognised the talents and achievements of individuals, organisations and businesses from across the Singleton local government area.
“But more importantly, it’s a night we recognise the mark that we as the people of Singleton make not just on our own community, but on Australia and the world,” she said.
“We continued that tradition this year by recognising two organisations that are critical to the very foundations not only of our community, but to Australia’s national identity.
“The NAA continues to celebrate Australia’s agricultural and livestock heritage through the events it holds each year, while the Australian Army Infantry Museum plays a crucial role in the public’s understanding of our military history.
“I’m extremely proud to recognise these organisations that are based right here in Singleton and congratulate all the volunteers who are involved in their ongoing success and contribution.
“I also sincerely thank Wambo Coal Peabody Energy for continuing to partner with Council on this important initiative over the past 15 years, and I hope for many more years to come.”
2024 Wambo Coal Singleton Hall of Fame inductees:
Northern Agricultural Association
Founded in 1868, the Northern Agricultural Association (NAA) hosts an annual rodeo in April, the Singleton Show in September and a campdraft in October.
The NAA is made up of volunteers, many of whom dedicate countless hours of their time to ensuring these successful events happen every year.
In 2024, the NAA celebrated the 150th Singleton Show.
Offering something of interest to everyone, the annual Show provides a place for residents of Singleton and its surrounding districts to come together for fun and entertainment, and to showcase what is made and produced in the area be it cattle, horses, arts, craft or horticulture.
The historic Singleton Showground, officially opened in September 1910, is owned by the NAA.
The NAA maintains the historic buildings and features on the grounds that also serve as a venue for many community activities and fundraisers including the annual PCYC Book Fair and NAIDOC Community Day plus weddings, birthdays, debutant balls, field days, dances, meetings, funerals and poultry auctions.
The NAA’s objectives are to promote the development of agriculture, pastoral, horticultural and industrial pursuits in Singleton and surrounds; to host events for the display of horses, cattle, dogs, poultry and other livestock and animals, horticulture and agricultural produce; maintain the Singleton Showground with accommodation and facilities and; to promote other objects that will advance agriculture, horticulture and industrial interests.
The showground is so ingrained in the community that it would be hard to find someone from Singleton who has not attended an event there or enjoyed the facilities that the NAA provide.
Australian Army Infantry Museum
Described as the Hunter Valley’s answer to the Australian War Memorial, the Australian Army Infantry Museum in the Singleton Military Area welcomes tens of thousands of visitors every year to view its extensive collection of Infantry Corps history and artifacts.
The Museum officially opened soon after the Infantry Centre was established in Singleton in 1973 and quickly grew in size and popularity. During the Australian Army Infantry Museum’s centenary celebrations in 2011, it was reopened in its current award-winning, purpose-built, accessible gallery space.
In addition to housing Australia’s military history, the Museum plays an important role on days of national significance such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, reminding the community of the part current service members and Defence veterans play in the greater national story.
With Defence being the second largest employer in the Singleton LGA, the Museum is the bridge between those currently serving, veterans, their families and the greater Singleton community.
Uniformed staff are assisted by over a dozen volunteers who play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the artifacts on exhibition and the public’s understanding of military history.
These volunteers, many veterans and family of service members, not only assist in curating exhibitions but also engage the Museum’s thousands of visitors through personal stories, fostering a deeper emotional connection to the collections and adding depth and authenticity to the Museum’s narratives.
Their unique perspectives enrich educational programs, making history more relatable and accessible, transforming the Museum from a static repository of artifacts into a vibrant space of learning and connection.