Honouring the service of Sergeant George Jeffery MM
Jordan FallonThe naming of George Jeffery Park in August 2018 was significant recognition of Sergeant George Jeffery’s commitment to service – both during World War I and in his hometown of Kearsley.
Sergeant Jeffery’s service during World War I was admirable. Following the outbreak of conflict, Sergeant Jeffery enlisted in the First Australian Imperial Force where he saw active service during the Gallipoli landing and on the Western Front.
Sergeant Jeffery’s commitment to the war effort was recognised in 1917 when he was awarded the Military Medal for “valuable work in supervising pack trains in the forward area, showing bravery and coolness on many occasions”. His bravery and distinguished service was again recognised when he was ‘Mentioned in Despatches’ by Field Marshal Douglas Haig in “appreciation of gallant service”.
Upon his arrival in the small village of Kearsley in 1920, Sergeant Jeffery was recognised by the local community for his tremendous contribution to the war effort. Despite public admiration of his achievements, Sergeant Jeffery remained humble, opting to focus his attention on advancing the community of Kearsley in the post-war period. It was in this role that Sergeant Jeffery became a household name.
Sergeant Jeffery owned and operated the corner store in Kearsley where he provided essential services to local residents. This contributed to the growth of the community through the creation of jobs, investment in unique goods and services, and the delivery of new technologies to modernise the lives of residents.
His service also extended to the Kearsley Community Soccer Club. A passionate soccer supporter, Sergeant Jeffery dedicated much of his spare time to developing the Club and its playing fields on the parcel of land at the corner of Caledonia and Congewai Streets. Using many of the skills he acquired during World War I and in the local coalmines, Sergeant Jeffery developed the playing fields using a shovel and wheelbarrow. Were it not for his commitment and foresight, the playing fields would never have been established.
For more than half-a-century, the reserve has been utilised extensively by the Kearsley community. In contemporary times, the two sporting fields are regularly used to host cricket, rugby league and soccer games. The reserve has also expanded to include an amenities building, tennis courts, picnic shelters, a playground and a Tourist Information Bay. None of these additions would have been possible without Sergeant Jeffery’s initial contribution.
Sergeant Jeffery was a pioneer of the Kearsley community. His contribution to the local area significantly improved the resources and amenities available to local residents. It was only fitting that his ongoing involvement in the Kearsley community was recognised by formally assigning the name George Jeffery Park to the reserve.
