Ahead of Anzac Day, soil samples from WW1 memorials in Cowra and the surrounding districts are now on display in the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park, Sydney.
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Created by Australian artist Fiona Hall, the eight walls of the Hall of Service display soil from 1,701 New South Wales' towns, cities, suburbs and homesteads given a place of address by First World War enlistees.
Locally, soil samples were collected from Billimari, Gooloogong, Westville, Waugoola, Mandurama, Eugowra, Darbys Falls, Walli, Mount McDonald, Wattamonda, Wyangala, Koorawatha, Bumbaldry, Greenethorpe, Canowindra and Cowra.
The soil samples were collected from March 2017 to June 2018 by volunteers and surveyors.
NSW Surveyor General Narelle Underwood said many great stories have been uncovered throughout the state.
"The soil collection program has been a terrific opportunity for our surveyors to get out and about in their local communities and build solid connections while working to honour our diggers," she said.
"We have met people who are honouring the memories of their own relatives and who have shared with us the stories passed down through generations of family members.
"It has been a wonderful project to work on and the type of unusual role that surveyors love to take part in. Our profession takes us all over the state, county and world, we get to work in amazing landscapes, meet incredible people and be a part of events and activities that shape our nation at all levels," Ms Underwood said.
