The hostel was Cobar's first war memorial and was opened in 1951 by the Hon. R. Heffron, Minister for Education. It was built as accommodation for children from a large portion of the Western District Division in an area extending up to 200 miles from Cobar, so they could attend school in in the town. Erection was made possible by the combined efforts of all sections of the town and district who subscribed the £17,000 it cost to build. Bursaries and fees assistance for children from poorer families were provided by various funds and organisations, including Cobar RSL.

Designed to accommodate 40 children it has had up to 48 in residence with a large waiting list. With improved transport and communication, the demand for such accommodation has declined and there are only a few children now using the facility. Its continuing future as a hostel is open to conjecture. 

There is a concrete plinth on a two stepped base to the west of the front porch and a metal flagpole between porch and plinth.

Above front porch
COBAR
WAR MEMORIAL

Marble tablet on west side of brick wall of porch
COBAR
WAR MEMORIAL
J. WARD, PRESIDENT
25^TH APRIL 1950
K. JOHNSON, PRES. R.S.S. & A.I.L.A. 

Metal plaque on west side of plinth
 Insignia of Navy
Insignia of                                              Insignia of
Australian Commonwealth        Torch        Royal Australian
Military Forces                                           Air Force
LEST WE FORGET
Insignia of  R.S.S. & A.I.L.A.
The whole is surrounded by a wreath

Information current to November 2000

Sources:  Cobar Copper Centenary 1869-1969, booklet produced  by Cobar Copper Centenary Celebration Committee
                  

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