Winchelsea War Memorial cairns officially opened

VETERANS, residents and government officials were in attendance on Sunday to officially open the Winchelsea War Memorial Cairns after two years of delays, commemorating the region’s proud service history.

The three illustrated glass cairns in Winchelsea’s Memorial Park honour service men and women from both World Wars and other conflicts, as well as recognising the town’s Australian Victoria Cross recipients such as Albert Jacka.

“Winchelsea RSL is so proud to see a real dream for us, and especially for two of our late members Kevin Bennett and his mate Des Donohue, come to life,” Winchelsea RSL president Robin Mawson said.

“Their wish was to honour and remember the commitment that all of those young people made to Australia and remember it in a tangible way for all to see, highlighting when they were called to defend their country with their lives, youth, and health.

“Without the vision of Kevin and Des the cairns probably would not have come to fruition.”

Surf Coast Shire councillors Heather Wellington and Adrian Schonfelder joined the RSL on Sunday alongside community members for the launch of the cairns.

Dan Tehan opening the Winchelsea War Memorial Cairns.

Cr Wellington said the cairns would become an important part of Winchelsea’s identity moving forward.

“The garden with its Gallipoli Centenary roses, rosemary and lone pine from Gallipoli has become a beautiful stately place for commemoration and reflection,” Cr Wellington said.

“Council is proud to have partnered with our RSL leaders who have driven this project with such vision and passion.”

The shire provided $50,000 for the cairns project, $110,000 was contributed by the federal government through the Department of Infrastructure, and the state government added $30,000 through the Veterans Affairs Office.

“It commemorates and honours local military service history, provides an educational purpose for local students and residents and will assist in attracting visitors to the area,” Corangamite federal member Libby Coker said.

“I am thrilled to see this project come to fruition.

“It is my honour to participate in the official opening and pay my respects to the brave men and women of Winchelsea and District who have served in major conflicts and peacekeeping missions.”