Memorial restored at St Helens Park

RESTORATION of the Malaya Borneo Veterans Memorial at North Geelong’s St Helens Park is complete, commemorating the Malaya Borneo conflict.

Councillor and Veterans Affairs chair Eddy Kontelj said it is important to acknowledge the service and dedication of veterans who fought in post-Second World War conflicts in Malaya and Borneo regions.

“To veterans of these conflicts, on behalf of Australia, thank you for your service and sacrifice,” Cr Kontelj said.

“We hope that veterans and their families will continue to see St Helens Park as a place they can pause and reflect.”

The design, which was approved by local veterans through the Geelong RSL, consolidated the original memorial plaques into the groundwork and three new pillars.

In addition to new garden beds and retaining walls, the original signage and flagpoles were also replaced to replicate the original memorial.

The memorial commemorates four major conflicts, the Malayan Campaign (1941-1942), the Battle of Singapore (1942), the Malayan Emergency (1948-1960), and the Indonesian Confrontation (1963-1966).

The City contributed $20,000 to the restoration works, with the federal government allocating $10,000 to the project through a Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program.

Defence Minister and Member for Corio Richard Miles said he was proud to be a part of the project.

“This memorial is of national significance and one befitting our local community,” Mr Marles said.

“I am pleased to have supported this project which sees our community honour those who served our nation on Borneo, Singapore, and Malaysia, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice.”

More than 10,000 Australians served in the conflicts with the Malayan Emergency being one of the longest continuing military commitments in Australian history.