War memorial funding drive
ANGLESEA residents have launched a fundraising appeal for a permanent war memorial in the town.
The Anglesea and District War Memorial Committee is hoping to raise $65,000 for the project, which it wants to bring to fruition next year.
The memorial would be in
Cameron Park, opposite the shopping strip.
The committee hopes it will take the form of a simple wall made of Aireys Inlet sandstone, beneath shady trees and encased by the park’s new gardens.
“The memorial will be a testimony to the service of the ordinary men and women of the Anglesea and Aireys Inlet districts who enlisted in Australian Defence Forces to defend their country for the life we have today,” Anglesea RSL sub-branch secretary Angie Hunt said.
“Every time you drive into a little town there’s normally a war memorial in the town.”
Surf Coast Shire affirmed its support for the war memorial in September and will provide an estimated in-kind contribution of $22,150 for the $87,100 project.
Its report says Cameron Park is considered suitable as a small event space for Remembrance Day activities and also for casual community use as a place for reflection.
But it says the park is not suitable as a venue for Anzac Day events or other special military events that may draw more than 100 people.
The site would also feature three flagpoles to display the Australian, New Zealand and Aboriginal flags, lighting for the flagpoles and memorial wall, and a curved bench seat.
Regional Roads Victoria has provided in-principle support for the project, and while the site is within a state heritage overlay, Heritage Victoria said the proposal meets the eligibility for a heritage permit exemption.
People are invited to put forward names for inclusion on the war memorial. Nominations close on March 31.
Donations to the appeal can be made online or in person at the Bendigo Community Bank in Anglesea.