War memorial to get overhaul

The Tooborac War Memorial is now a step closer to a facelift thanks to the dedicated efforts of several community volunteers.

A $10,000 grant from the State Government’s Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour program will kickstart a two-stage capital works process.

The renovations will eventually lead to the repair of the concrete paving around the cenotaph’s base, replacement of storyboards and lighting, as well as the removal and replacement of rotting wooden posts.

Additional plaques will be installed in memory of men and women who served in the Second World War and subsequent conflicts, including as peacekeepers.

Project co-ordinator David Barton said the initial phase would involve engaging consultants and heritage specialists to work with the local community to develop a management plan.

“This will include a scope of works and costings for stage two of the project, for which additional funds will be sought for the 2024 period,” he said.

The Tooborac Hall Committee is the auspice body for restoration project and the organisation’s president Belinda Hagan said the town’s war memorial, was an iconic and distinctive feature.

“It’s a great move forward for the community to see, after many years, the war memorial precinct being renovated and upgraded,” she said.

War memorial sub-committee convenor Andrew Thompson said the renovations were both welcome and timely.

“This work will mark a substantial advancement for our Anzac and Remembrance Day commemorations of all those who have served our country,” he said.

Farming and timber were the main industries in the predominantly rural Tooborac district before the First World War.

Between 1914 and 1918, 48 Tooborac men served overseas with 17 not returning.

These deaths had a significant impact on the small community and returning soldiers, along with the families of those who had been killed, formed a committee to raise funds for a memorial to be placed in the centre of the village.

Within a short period of time they had amassed almost £600.

Monumental masons Wilson & Co of Bendigo were commissioned to create the granite obelisk capped by a depiction of an Australian infantry soldier standing at attention and made of Italian white marble.

The names of all who served are on one face with those of the fallen on another, and many relatives of those soldiers still live in the district.

It was amongst the first memorials constructed in Victoria and was unveiled on 25 April 1921 by Major-General Charles H Brand.

There have been community and private observances at the site each Anzac and Remembrance day, as well as services conducted by Tooborac Primary School.

In more recent times the war memorial sub-committee has revived the dawn service on Anzac Day followed by a gunfire breakfast at the Tooborac Hall.