And while most roses would certainly smell as sweet if called by another name, the two roses planted at the Merriwa Cenotaph this month smell especially sweet. 

The ‘Red Cross Roses’ were specifically bred as a specialty red rose to honour the Red Cross organisation of Australia. 

Upper Hunter Shire councillor Ron Campbell said he was delighted to assist with the organisation of the planting of the roses. 

“The roses were planted either side of the entrance to the cenotaph to commemorate the 100th year of Red Cross in Merriwa.

“It is also the 100th year of the Red Cross organisation in Australia," Cr Campbell said. 

“The organisation has been the life blood in many ways to the community of Merriwa helping people in so many ways.

“They are always at the forefront for anyone in need locally or abroad." 

Cr Campbell said the two red roses would complement the rosemary plants already growing around the perimeter of the cenotaph.

Merriwa Red Cross liaison officer Philomena Constable said the members were looking forward to seeing the roses in bloom.

"Two of our members donated the roses and the RSL and Upper Hunter Shire Council kindly agreed to let us plant them at the cenotaph.

"We also would like to put a plaque near them to say they commemorate 100 years of the Red Cross in Merriwa," she said. 

"I have been a member  for the last 36 years, it's a nice feeling to help fellow human beings wherever they are in the world."