Veteran Crown land volunteer keeps flame burning for Anzac Day

96-year-old World War II veteran Ian Litchfield OAM has been congratulated for more than 25 years service managing a war memorial reserve and conducting Anzac Day services in the Central Tablelands.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said Mr Litchfield is one of NSW’s oldest Crown Land Manager volunteers, dedicated to helping his community.

“For more than a quarter of a century Ian Litchfield has served as chair of the Lowther-Hampton War Memorial Reserve located in a beautiful gum tree-filled setting on the road to Jenolan Caves,” Mr Kamper said.

“Together with six other dedicated volunteers, Ian strives to maintain the reserve and host annual Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services for hundreds of locals to pay tribute to those who have served Australia during times of war.”

Lowther-Hampton War Memorial Reserve is located on Jenolan Caves Road between the hamlets of Lowther and Hampton, south of Lithgow.

The reserve’s white marble obelisk monument was erected in 1920 after World War 1 and later updated with black granite plaques to also commemorate those who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and later conflicts.

The reserve also contains a Lone Pine memorial tree and a Gallipoli rosemary which was propagated from a bush bought back from Anzac Cove by a Digger in 1915.

Mr Litchfield, who turns 97 in June, was born in Killara, studied engineering, worked as a jackaroo and in the textile industry, served in the Royal Australian Navy, and became a sheep farmer of super fine wool.

As well as farming and chairing, he has kept busy over the years serving the farmers’ association, cricket association, P&C committee, and Church of England.

“It’s important to keep active and contribute to your community but as much as I’ve enjoyed my role it will soon be time to hand over the reins,” he said.