Everlasting tribute to Private Nathanael Galagher at RSL

A portrait of Private Nathanael Galagher will serve as an everlasting tribute to the late soldier when it takes pride of place at the Narrabri RSL.

The portrait of Private Galagher, painted by artist Jason Swain, depicts the Pilliga-born soldier on his first tour of Afghanistan in 2009.

The district lost a local hero when Private Galagher, an Australian Special Forces soldier, was killed in action on his second tour of Afghanistan in 2012.

Private Galagher, 23, and Lance Corporal Mervyn McDonald, 30, died when their International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) helicopter crashed in Helmand Province on August 30, 2012.

The men were farewelled by their comrades in Afghanistan and returned to Australia onboard a Royal Australian C-130 Hercules.

Private Galagher and Lance Corporal McDonald were part of the 2nd Commando Regiment.

His parents, Sally Phelps and Wayne Galagher, sister Elanor and partner Jessie continue to mourn the loss of a much-loved son, brother and partner, however, they remain proud of his accomplishments and service to his country.

Private Nathanael Galagher.

Private Galagher’s partner Jessie was pregnant with their child when his life was tragically cut short.

“It is an honour,” Ms Phelps said of the portrait to be displayed in the Narrabri RSL.

“We are so proud of him.”

Ms Phelps and Mr Galagher, both Narrabri RSL Sub-branch members, pay tribute to their son at every opportunity at shire commemorations.

The sub-branch was proud to contribute to the initiative by funding the cost of the portrait’s framing.

Private Galagher’s portrait forms part of Mr Swain’s ‘Portraits for Patriots’ project.

Mr Swain, an Australian now living near Washington DC, has committed to painting portraits of the 41 Australian soldiers who were killed in action in Afghanistan.

“I have been working on the portraits of Australia’s fallen soldiers from Afghanistan for the past 10 years and sending them out to the families with the help of local people and businesses in Australia,” Mr Swain said.

Mr Swain said Ms Phelps had helped to facilitate the delivery of the portrait and he was looking forward to seeing it at its final destination.

Narrabri RSL Sub-branch president Gary Mason OAM paid tribute to Ms Phelps’ work in coordinating the portrait.

The portrait of Private Galagher is expected to be placed prominently in the Narrabri RSL.