Honour the past, have a future

Since the monument’s opening in May 2011, the Eternal Muster Memorial remembers those who have passed away and honours their legacy through leaf-shaped plaques. More than 100 plaques occupy the walls, noting the individual or family’s name, describing their personality, and leaving heartfelt quotes honouring the deceased’s life.

The memorial was initially created to honour Richard Estcourt, a young man who passed away in 2008 from a mustering accident near Normanton. Rosemary Champion, daughter of one of the Hall of Fame’s founders, was contacted by the late Richard’s father, Tony Estcourt, who wanted his son to be remembered.

Occupants of the Muster Memorial consist of people from all walks of life, broadened to anyone who has a love for the bush, the bush heritage, or want their loved ones to be remembered.

“The memorial is open to anybody and at the end of the day, everyone has Australian heritage,” Mrs Champion said. “It tells the story of demographics all over Australia and represents someone from every state. “Family legacies are continued and generations of families are remembered. Everybody needs to be remembered somewhere.

“If you don’t honour the past, you don’t have a future.”