Service to marks memorial milestone

THIS month marks twenty years since the Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial was opened in Ballarat.

As part of the acknowledgement, a service will be held on Sunday 11 February from 11.30am to honour the occasion with dignitaries, veterans and members of the public set to attend.

The memorial located on Carlton Street was opened by General Peter Cosgrove in February 2004.

More than 11,000 people witnessed the event including then Governor General General Michael Jeffery and State Premier Steve Bracks.

The memorial took more than eight years to plan and build and was the first in Australia to be dedicated to prisoners of war.

“The City of Ballarat is very proud of our many war memorials across the municipality, but this particular space is extra special, supported by the fact that it attracts more than 50,000 visitors each year,” said mayor Cr Des Hudson.

“The memorial stands as a testament to the pain and suffering endured by all prisoners of war, honouring the thousands of mates left behind and recognizing the sacrifices made by families during wartime.

“It proudly displays 36,400 names of Australian ex-POWs on a 130-meter-long granite wall, serving as a powerful reminder of their courage and resilience.”

Sculptor, Peter Blizzard, used natural stone including basalt and granite to create the memorial.

It was funded by a $ 1.1 million donation from Tattersall’s and the estate of the late George Adams as well as with money from all three levels of government and other businesses and individuals.

The community is invited to attend the 20-year anniversary event, however, only standing room will be open to the public with little shade.

“I’d encourage residents to join us in honouring the legacy of our ex-prisoners of war at the Australian Ex-POW Memorial in Ballarat,” Cr Hudson said.

“Together, let us remember their sacrifice and pay tribute to their enduring spirit.”