Final stages of war memorial finished in time for Anzac Day

COMMUNITY members will converge at Leopold War Memorial this Anzac Day to remember those who went to war for our freedom and peace.

The final stages of the war memorial have just been completed, after construction started back in 2017.

The finishing touches included silhouettes of veterans featured on the outer walls of the pavilion and a plaque listing the names of individuals and organisations who made major contributions to the construction of the memorial.

Leopold War Memorial Committee chair Keith Pettigrew said the 2021 Anzac Day Commemorative Service would be held at the memorial on Sunday, April 25, at 8am.

“Community members attending the Leopold War Memorial do so to honour the Anzac spirit of courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice forged on the battlefield of Gallipoli in 1915 and to remember those who enlisted in the Australian Defence Force and went to war for our freedom and peace,” Mr Pettigrew said.

He said silhouettes on the outer walls of the pavilion were very impressive, and due to the generosity of Harry Buckle, from H.M Buckle and Sons Monumental Stonemasons, a bluestone “blade” bearing a plaque had been installed, which lists the names of individuals and organisations who made major contributions to the construction of the memorial.

“The bluestone was originally part of the floor in the old Queenscliff Hotel,” Mr Pettigrew said.

“We are extremely grateful to all those who donated funds, materials and labour, equipment and goodwill to the establishment of the memorial.

“The plaque will be a lasting reminder of that generosity in the Leopold community.”

The Anzac Day service will be conducted under COVIDSafe restrictions.

Attendees will be required to register their attendance by QR codes and sign-in sheets available at entry points to the memorial site.

Those in attendance will also be required to maintain social distance during the service. Hand sanitiser will also be available.

Mr Pettigrew said during the service there would be an opportunity for people to lay a wreath or floral tributes in memory of those who served.

Following the service members of the Lions Club of Leopold will provide a “Gunfire Breakfast” for a gold coin donation.

The Leopold War Memorial is located at Leopold Memorial Park; the site that, in 1926, was set aside to be converted into a park to honour local soldiers.

It’s on the north-west corner of the park where it borders Melaluka Road and Stringers Lane.