THE memories of "life on the hill" are as strong today as they have ever been for Clarry Higgins and Lorraine Ingram.
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Mr Higgins no longer lives at Wattle Hill, but grew up there, while Mrs Ingram has lived there for many years.
Her late husband, Uncle Jimmy Ingram, was instrumental in ensuring the shire's Aboriginal and Indigenous community and their history and heritage was never forgotten.
Before he passed away he had the idea of creating something in Wattle Hill that would be a testament to the Indigenous culture that shaped the area.
That idea has now born a unique sculpture representation of that life - listening to an Elder speak and impart their knowledge, while gathered around the fire with family and friends.
Mr Higgins said Wattle Hill would always be home to him, but it had changed a lot over the years.
"It was home ... we came here about 1943," he said.
"This place was chock-a-block of wattle trees back then. There were a lot of seasonal workers that camped out here as well. As kids we used to swim in the little channel.
"It's different now. The community has changed."
Mr Higgins said his family grew up alongside the Ingrams and his childhood memories were tied to that family.
He said he would never forget what Wattle Hill meant to him.
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Mrs Ingram came to Wattle Hill with her late husband, as it was where he grew up.
"He'd lived up here as a young fellow with his mum, dad, brothers and sisters," she said.
"It's home. The sculptures are absolutely beautiful.
"My little great grandchildren that are here, reckon that's pop (the sculpture of the Elder speaking).
"I think they've done a wonderful job and it's nice to have something here that represents the early days and how things were.
"Jimmy wanted something put here as remembrance of the past. I think if he was here, he would be impressed."
It was home ... we came here about 1943
- Clarry Higgins
The sculptures have been made possible thanks to the Leeton and District Local Aboriginal Land Council and Intereach.
Intereach was able to gain grants for the project, with an official opening to be planned.
"It was great to be able to tell Jim that the project was going to happen (before he passed away)," council chief executive officer Karen Davy said.
"Lorraine has been involved with the whole process.
"She knew what his wishes were and I just think it's wonderful how it all turned out." The sculptures can be viewed at Wattle Park in Wattle Hill.
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